PCB seeks government clearance on India series

Sri Lanka has emerged as the likely venue for the much-anticipated series.

Karachi: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has sought the permission of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to play their proposed bilateral series with India on a mutually agreed neutral venue.

"We have sent the report regarding the series to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and has asked for his permission to play the bilateral series with India on a neutral venue," PCB Chairman Shaharyar Khan told media.

Sri Lanka has emerged as the likely venue for the curtailed series between the two neighbouring nations, who haven't played each other in a full bilateral Test series since 2007 when Pakistan toured India.

The decision was taken after the PCB chief met BCCI president Shashank Manohar in Dubai on Sunday.

BCCI had refused to play the series in United Arab Emirates, Pakistan's adopted home while PCB refused to play in India. Hence Sri Lanka was the only feasible option left.

With only a month's window available after India finish their Test Series against South Africa on December 7, the series is likely to be confined to three ODIs and two T20 Internationals instead of the original two Tests, five ODIs and two T20 Internationals.