KARACHI, Feb 13: In yet another blow to Pakistan cricket, the limited-overs tri-series, also featuring Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, scheduled to be held in Dubai in April, was postponed, a top Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) official said on Friday.

Saleem Altaf, PCB’s Chief Operating Officer, said the event had been postponed by the organisers after Sri Lanka expressed its inability to take part in the tri-series.

“We had given our consent but apparently the Sri Lankans are tied up,” Saleem said.

The postponement of the tri-series will come as a blow to the PCB which has entered into a three-year agreement with Dubai Sports City to play in an international event every year in Dubai in return for a guaranteed $9 million.

Pakistan cricket has been short of finances since last year and the cancellation of a full tour by India last month caused it an estimated loss of around $25 million.

The PCB official said Pakistan would now explore further possibilities to arrange other engagements for its national team which is due to begin a Test series against Sri Lanka here from Feb 21. —Agencies