Australia series: Sri Lanka 'almost' finalised as hosts

Deal to be signed soon for the ODI, Twenty20 series, says Intikhab.

KARACHI: Sri Lanka is likely to play host to the Pakistan-Australia limited-overs series prior to the 2012 World Twenty20.

The series, forced to be played on neutral venue after Australia's refusal to tour Pakistan, will comprise five One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and three Twenty20s. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) was forced to move away from the UAE due to the extreme weather conditions in the region during the summer. South Africa and England – which hosted the Pakistan-Australia series in 2010 – were among the other venues which came under consideration.

"We're close to finalising a deal," PCB director Intikhab Alam told The Express Tribune. "We've made a decision on Sri Lanka for a number of reasons which will be revealed after signing the deal."

Whatmore reaches Pindi for Super Eights

Meanwhile, Pakistan coach Dav Whatmore will work with domestic players as the national team is unlikely to be in action for the next couple of months.

A day after returning from Bangladesh following the Asia Cup triumph, Whatmore reached Rawalpindi to watch the ongoing Super Eight T20 Cup where he will monitor the players' performance.

"It'll be a golden opportunity for the players," said an official. "Any player who impresses the coach will boost his chances of playing in the World Twenty20 because Whatmore will have a say in selection matters."

Published in The Express Tribune, March 27^th, 2012.