Pakistan to play Scotland in May

In excellent news for Scotland cricket, Pakistan have agreed to play 2 ODI's against them in May in preparation for the Champions Trophy. This really is great news for the development of Scotland, with an ODI against Australia as well later in the summer. Pakistan also have to be applauded for their assistance to the associate countries. They played Afghanistan in their first ODI against a full member last year. They also faced off against Ireland in 2 ODI's in 2011 after the 2011 World Cup, and have also agreed to play the Irish in 2 ODI's in late May this year*. Presuming these games against Scotland haven't replaced them, that means Pakistan will play 4 matches against associate countries in the space of a week. This really is superb news, and lets hope other full members take note and do the same. What world cricket needs is more competitive teams, so these odd fixtures against associates are crucial to the development of the world game.

Fixtures
17th May - Scotland VS Pakistan @ Citylets Grange, Edinburgh (ODI #1)
19th May - Scotland VS Pakistan @ Citylets Grange, Edinburgh (ODI#2)

Further information here in this article on Cricket Europe
http://www.cricketeurope4.net/DATABASE/ARTICLES6/articles/000026/002643.shtml

*details of matches against Ireland have not been confirmed