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Abu Dhabi: Cricket's oldest club, the Marylebone Cricket Club, on Thursday signed a three-year deal with Abu Dhabi Cricket Club which is seen as a huge promotion for the sport in the Gulf state.
"The MCC has signed a three-year agreement with Abu Dhabi Cricket Club (ADCC) to become associate club partners. The wide-ranging agreement will enable MCC to use the Zayed stadium and the academy," said a ADCC press release.
The academy will be re-named the Zayed MCC Cricket Academy, Abu Dhabi, the release said.
Abu Dhabi has become a neutral venue, currently staging the three-match One-day series between Pakistan and New Zealand.
Pakistan has been forced to relocate its home series to the UAE following attacks on the Sri Lankan team bus in Lahore in March 3 this year.
Even before the attacks, Pakistan was a "no go" zone for international teams who refused to tour the troubled country where the national army is fighting Taliban insurgency and extremists.
Pakistan last year hosted the West Indies for three One-Day Internationals and then played three more against Australia in April-May this year after both teams refused to tour Pakistan over security fears.
Dilawar Mani, CEO of ADCC, said the MCC deal is a further step in promoting the game in Abu Dhabi.
"It a tremendous boost for UAE cricket and aspiring juniors. We greatly welcome the association with MCC and look forward to a long and durable relationship and MCC's guidance in developing our facilities," said Mani.
MCC Chairman Oliver Stocken and Sheikh Nahayan of Abu Dhabi signed the three-year agreement at the Sheikh's palace.
MCC's secretary and chief executive, Keith Bradshaw, said: "We are thrilled to be in partnership with ADCC. It's a first for MCC in the Middle East region and gives us a tremendous opportunity to help develop cricketers throughout the region and closer to home."
Bradshaw hoped a pink ball can also come under trial during first-class matches in Abu Dhabi.
"We are determined to organise some three or four-day cricket under lights using a pink ball and this is a possibility of scheduling the match overseas."
The MCC is hoping to introduce pink ball in day-night matches, preferably in Tests.
