PCB rules out possibility of hosting home series against Sri Lanka at neutral venue
The Pakistan Cricket Board has announced that it will not shift the series against Sri Lanka to a neutral venue as it might add adverse effect to the forthcoming series. Sri Lanka's tour to Pakistan was on track before PMO received information regarding "possible terrorist threat" during their tour.
Both the teams are supposed to play three T20Is and three ODIs in Lahore and Karachi between September 27 and October 9 but the Sri Lankan government received news of a "possible terrorist threat on the Sri Lanka team" which forced the Sri Lanka Cricket to reassess the security situation in the Asian nation. While the tour has gone into uncertainty, PCB chairman Ehsan Mani has reiterated his confidence in Pakistan hosting Sri Lanka, saying neither he nor his board was looking to shift the series to a neutral venue.
"Our decision is very clear and we are not exploring any other neutral venue. We don't have the time to shift or lookout for any other option right now. Our default position is that it is Pakistan's home series and it will be played in the country. This has been the understanding right from the start and we are in discussions with the Sri Lanka board and they are also very positive about sending their team,” Mani was quoted as saying by ESPN Cricinfo.
"We didn't get any negative feedback from their board and they never said that they are not coming. All they are seeking is their government's permission and they are engaging with them. There are speculations that they are sending their under-strength team but it's their prerogative. But what is important that international cricket will be played in Pakistan, and Sri Lanka is fulfilling their commitment."
If the series does go ahead, then this will be the longest international series in Pakistan for a decade. It will also mark the first international action in Pakistan in 18 months. Originally, the tour was supposed to include two Test matches but they have been postponed to December. As per the schedule, the National Stadium in Karachi will host the ODIs, while the T20Is will be held in Lahore.
