April 22, 2009, DUBAI - Security-hit Pakistan finds shelter in the UAE as they host Australia in the first one-day international here today, with a hope that the desert venues continue to be their new home of cricket. Pakistan captain Younis Khan said conditions in the emirates are no different from back home. “There is no alternative to playing at home but unfortunately we have to play in Emirates but the conditions here are similar to Pakistan and we feel it is like home away from home,” Younus told Khaleej Times. “I hope Pakistani people who live here will come to encourage us, especially on Fridays,” said Younus. Meanwhile, a top officer here denied a recent news agency report that security for the Pakistan-Australia cricket match of April 22 will be entrusted to private companies. Citing a Pakistan Cricket Board official, a top news agency has said that private security bodyguards will be hired for the series.

“The security plan for the series is also now approved and we are co-ordinating with the authorities in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and also with the Emirates Cricket Board to provide the best possible security for the series,” PCB chief operating officer Saleem Altaf said. Director of Organisational Protective Security and the Emergency General Department at Dubai Police Major General Mohamed Eid Al Mansouri said the Dubai Police is to thoroughly secure the match.