PCB considering ‘home’ series in Sri Lanka against West Indies

This is according to the website of Cricket Australia.

The PCB has eyed the island nation as neutral venue instead of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) after claiming that it does not raise enough revenues and has high costs.

“PCB is not generating enough revenue from its home series therefore we are looking at the option of hosting West Indies in Sri Lanka. The board is doing its homework in this regard,” said PCB Executive Committee Chairman Najam Sethi.

Pakistan is scheduled to host the West Indies for two Tests and six limited-overs matches this year. It is also expected to host a day-night pink ball Test match as well. The five-day match is rather unpopular in the UAE and witnessed empty stands, and so the PCB is considering hosting this match to attract more crowds.

This is the first time Pakistan has considered Sri Lanka since 2002 when it hosted Australia. There are no international matches there except for tour of Australia from July to September. Pakistan has chosen England to host a ‘home’ series as well previously.

The only other option for cricket fans in the UAE will be the Pakistan Super League (PSL) next year. However, the PCB is also considering hosting the final in Lahore and offering lucrative financial contracts to international players to play there.