Government clearance sought for Indo-Pak series

After deciding to stage the series in Sri Lanka, the BCCI has put the ball in the court of the political establishment for clearance. “Yesterday, I have written a letter to the Foreign Ministry seeking clearance to play with Pakistan in Sri Lanka,” said Mr. Thakur, reported PTI.

Thakur also confirmed media reports about Sri Lanka being chosen as the venue for the bilateral series. “According to the agreement of India and Pakistan, both teams were supposed to play in UAE or at any other neutral venue if the conditions in Pakistan were not suitable. It is up to Pakistan as to where they want to play. After discussions with BCCI and PCB, both countries have decided to play in Sri Lanka,” he added, reported PTI.

The Pakistan Cricket Board also has sought clearance from its political establishment to play hosts to the series against India in the island nation. “It is very much in the hands of the government. I personally don’t know how much time it will take for the clearance. The Prime Minister is travelling at the moment, so he will take a decision soon after coming back. We will just have to wait,” PCB chief Shahryar Khan told PTI.

India and Pakistan are expected to play three ODIs and two T20s in Sri Lanka in December. Sri Lanka emerged as the host after discussions between the chiefs of the BCCI and the PCB in Dubai on Sunday. An official announcement about the series is expected to come on Friday, November 27.