Governments to decide fate of India-Pakistan series

Shahid Hashmi 23:29 24/11/2015
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Mail
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • WhatsApp
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Troubled relations: India and Pakistan last clashed in the World Cup in March.

    Pakistan’s cricket chief said on Tuesday he had sought their government’s permission for a bilateral series with India on an unspecified agreed neutral venue.

    Sri Lanka is the likeliest venue to host a shortened series between the arch-rivals after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) refused a request from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to play in UAE, Pakistan’s adopted home because of security fears at home.

    The move came after PCB chairman Shaharyar Khan met BCCI president Shashank Manohar in Dubai on Sunday.

    “We have sent the report to prime minister Nawaz Sharif and have sought permission to play India on a neutral venue,” Khan said, without confirming Sri Lanka as the venue of the series.

    “After the Dubai meeting both BCCI and PCB have said that the final decision rests with the respective governments, so in the next three to four days we expect a final decision,” said Khan.

    – TEST: First-ever day-night Test match in Adelaide
    – UAE: Major milestone for UAE cricket
    – Follow: Live cricket scores from around the world

    With time running out, as India have to travel to Australia for a limited over series starting from January 12 and Pakistan visit New Zealand in the same period, the possibility of a full series of two Tests, five one-day and two Twenty20 looks doubtful.

    It is likely that both countries will agree to play three one-day and two Twenty20 internationals.

    Sri Lanka Cricket interim committee head Sidath Wettimuny confirmed Pakistan have contacted him to arrange the matches. 

    “I rec-eived a call from the PCB asking about the possibilities of hosting the series. We are now looking at it very seriously,” Wettimuny told  The Island newspaper in Colombo.

    “Nothing is confirmed as yet as we have to get back to them on schedules and availability, but we are very excited by the request. I think this is a great opportunity for us to support Pakistan and India. They have always supported us.”

    Recommended