Sri Lanka offers to host Indo-Pak series as PCB seeks govt nod
November 24, 2015
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Shahryar Khan told the media that a letter seeking a no objection certificate has been sent to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in this regard, Geo News reported.
According to Khan, Pakistan government has no objection in playing at a neutral venue however seeking approval was mandatory.
The government’s response was expected in the next couple of days, he added.
The island nation emerged as a likely solution after crisis talks at the weekend between the two rivals in Dubai failed to end the stalemate.
"We have made the offer," a Sri Lankan Cricket board official told AFP, adding the teams had been given the option of playing in Colombo and Kandy or Colombo only.
"We are awaiting a response from the PCB," he said, referring to the Pakistan Cricket Board.
India and Pakistan were scheduled to play two Tests, five one-dayers and two Twenty20 internationals in December and January.
But Sri Lankan officials said that with time running out, the series would be shortened to limited-over matches if played on the island.
A Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) spokesman declined to comment.
Pakistan have been playing their home series in the United Arab Emirates because of security fears at home, but India have refused to play there for the upcoming tournament.
India and Pakistan have not played a full series since 2007.
Last month, hardline Hindu activists belonging to Shiv Sena sabotaged talks between India and Pakistan cricket officials in Mumbai, storming the BCCI headquarters moments before the meeting.
Under a 2014 memorandum of understanding, both countries’ cricket boards had agreed to play six series between 2015 and 2023, with four to be hosted by Pakistan. But all series were subject to clearance from their respective governments–AFP/Geo
