Sri Lanka Drop Plans to Host Pakistan-Australia Series

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) are searching for a new venue for their limited overs series against Australia in August after Sri Lanka dropped plans to play host.

In March Sri Lanka had agreed in principle to put on three one-day internationals and three Twenty20s, but the series now clashes with the Sri Lanka Premier League (SLPL).

A deal signed this week by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) confirmed the SLPL will go ahead for the first time after the proposed 2011 edition was postponed.

Subhan Ahmed, Pakistan Cricket Board’s chief operating officer, said: “It’s disappointing. Initially Sri Lanka Cricket offered to host the series and we stopped negotiating with others.

“We were trying to finalise the Australia series in Sri Lanka but due to their Premier League which is to be held in August directly clashing with our plan, we have to find another venue.”

Nishantha Ranatunga, the secretary of SLC, said: “We will not have enough grounds and facilities with the SLPL being played. That is one reason. Also, if we are playing too much cricket, the wickets will not be in good condition for the World T20 in September.”

Following Sri Lanka’s announcement  the PCB have started negotiations with other countries about hosting the series, including the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Malaysia.

Ahmed confirmed: “We are looking for other venues and hope to finalise it soon.”