High costs force PCB move to Sri Lanka for Windies series

The rising cost of hosting its matches in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has forced the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to head southward to Sri Lanka for the series against the West Indies in October.

According to espncricinfo, the series, comprising two Tests, three One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and a Twenty20, was earlier scheduled to be held in the UAE but the growing costs have forced Pakistan to choose an alternate venue.

"We are concerned about rising costs of hosting matches in the UAE, and if Sri Lanka is significantly cheaper then we shall consider it as an option," a PCB spokesman said.

The PCB has also sought a financial estimate from Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) in regard to the series.

Confirming the news, SLC secretary Mohan de Silva said, "Yes, they have approached us. We will put the budget together and send it back to them. It will depend on whether it is a financially viable option for them to host a series here."

Pakistan has remained a red light zone for most international sides since the 2009 terrorist attack on the visiting Sri Lankan team bus during the Lahore Test.

--IANS

tri/pur/vm