Political situation not likely to disrupt Pakistan-Sri Lanka series: PCB official

As per the latest announcement, Pakistan team will be touring Sri Lanka for two Tests and three ODIs in July. The dates and venues of the series will be decided in a due course. The Pakistan team will extend their Sri Lanka tour for featuring in the T20 Asia Cup, which is scheduled to take place in August-September.

The PCB official spoke to Cricket Pakistan and was optimistic that the series will go on as planned, as there has been no communication from the Sri Lanka Cricket about any change. The series is certainly doubtful given the economic crisis in the Island country and the resignation of the entire ministry.

“The cricketing activities in Sri Lanka are happening. There has been no word from Sri Lanka and the series is scheduled to go as planned,” a PCB official said.

A few days back, news broke out suggesting the Asia Cricket Council is mulling shifting the T20 Asia Cup from Sri Lanka due to the ongoing crisis. In response, the former cricketer Arjuna Ranatunga had called the Sri Lanka cricket board ‘unprofessional” and raised questions on their ability to host the Asia cup.

Pakistan to host West Indies and England in 2022

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) breathed a sigh of relief after hosting Australia for three Tests, three ODI, and a one-off T20I in a successful manner. The sports infrastructure of the country has certainly improved after a good footfall of crowds in the PSL 2021/22 and Australia series.

Before the Sri Lanka series, Pakistan will host West Indies in June for three ODIs. The matches were rescheduled due to the Covid-19 cases in the West Indies camp during their last year. In December 2021, both sides featured in a three-match T20I series at National Stadium, Karachi, and Pakistan won the series 3-0. With the infection rate on a downward trajectory, all the bio-bubble-related protocols have been removed for the upcoming series.

After completing a tour to Sri Lanka, Pakistan will play a seven-match T20I series against England. The two-match T20I series between both nations was postponed last year ahead of the T20 World Cup 2021.