Pakistan series not confirmed: Sri Lanka Cricket
KARACHI: It has emerged that Sri Lanka have not agreed to play an upcoming series against Pakistan in the UAE despite several media reports confirming the series venue as Abu Dhabi & Dubai.
"We haven’t been informed of venues for the series yet. In fact the other day, I read on BBC website that series was confirmed to be played at Abu Dhabi. I learnt about it only then. We are going to discuss this matter at our Interim Committee meeting and then only we can communicate with PCB (Pakistan Cricket Board) and finalise the venues," Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) interim committee chairman Upali Dharmadasa was quoted as saying by the Daily Mirror on Saturda.
He added that SLC will try to convince the PCB again to host the series in Sri Lanka as it will also give the Sri Lankan fans the chance to watch the matches.
The PCB had previously refused to play the series in Sri Lanka and preferred the UAE because it offered better profits.
Sri Lanka had been willing to tour Pakistan but the deteriorating security situation in the country led to a change in plans.
This week, media reports quoting CEO of Emirates Cricket Board Dilawar Mani confirmed UAE as hosts for series which will be played in October.
“The tour has been confirmed. We have to sit with PCB officials in the next few days to finalize venues,” Mani had said.
The series will comprise three Tests, five one-day internationals and a Twenty20 International.