BBC SPORT | Cricket | Tangiers wins ICC backing

The Tangiers Cricket Stadium in Morocco has been granted permission to stage international matches.

The International Cricket Council's decision clears the way for a triangular one-day series between Pakistan, Sri Lanka and South Africa which will take place from 12-21 August.

Former South African all-rounder Mike Procter, now an ICC Match referee, inspected the stadium last week and was satisfied that it met all relevant criteria.

"The ICC's approval is backed by the endorsement of the ICC Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU), which has audited the stadium against stringent security standards and protocols.

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"Measures adopted mirror those recommended by the ACU and implemented for cricket in Sharjah," said an ICC statement.

The Federation Royale Morocaine De Cricket (FRMC) is an affiliate member of the ICC and has also established cricket centres in Rabat and Casablanca.

The Tangiers Stadium cost $25m and includes five pitches for matches and another seven in the practice area.

Matches in Morocco will be run by the Cricketers Benefit Fund Series (CBFS), who are also in charge of the Sharjah Stadium in the United Arab Emirates, which has staged more one-day internationals than any other ground in world cricket.

"There is already a lot of interest in the game among the locals, who play tournaments regularly," said former Indian Test all-rounder Mohinder Amarnath, who has been coaching in Morocco on behalf of the CBFS.

If the triangular tournament proves a success, Morocco could be a possible neutral venue for the Pakistan v Australia Test series which is due to take place later this year.

The current military tension between Pakistan and India has cast doubt on the series, although it could be switched to Australia in preference to a neutral ground like Tangiers or Sharjah.


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