PCB gets clearance from PM for Indo-Pak series in Sri Lanka

Karachi, November 26

Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has granted permission to the PCB for a bilateral cricket series against arch-rivals India in Sri Lanka.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Indian Cricket Board (BCC) had proposed the series and approached their respective governments for clearance.

Official sources in the ministry of inter provincial coordination said that the Prime Minister gave the clearance before leaving for an official tour to Malta.

"The PM has responded to the letter sent to him by the PCB Chairman Shaharyar Khan and he has said that Pakistan should play India in Sri Lanka for a short series given the current security situation," a source told PTI.

"The PM made the point that while foreign teams are not playing in Pakistan, the security situation for Pakistanis in India is also not clear, so Sri Lanka is a good option," the source said.

A PM house statement was also quoted in the 'Express Tribune' which said, "Given the current security situation, PCB should hold short series with India at a third location." It also said the PM House had sent a letter to the PCB granting them permission for the series and directing them to carefully view the security situation as well.

BCCI are yet to hear from the Indian government on the series.

On Tuesday, Sri Lanka emerged as a neutral venue for the planned series which is likely to have three ODIs and two T20s, tentatively scheduled between December 15 and first week of January.

Both countries have not played Test cricket since 2007 but Pakistan toured India in winter of 2012-13 for a short limited-over series. — PTI