Pak-India series: Govt has given its approval, confirms PCB

BCCI expected to formally announce their decision by November 30

KARACHI: After the PM House released a statement that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has given the go-ahead for a Pakistan-India series in Sri Lanka, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) also confirmed that it has received an NOC from the board’s patron.

The PCB and the Board for Cricket Control in India (BCCI) officials were able to come to the consensus of playing in Sri Lanka when they recently met in the UAE.

Islamabad gives all clear for Pakistan-India series

On his return, PCB Chairman Shaharyar Khan wrote a letter to the prime minister, requesting permission for the team to host a series in Sri Lanka rather than the UAE, where Pakistan usually host their matches.

“The PCB has received a decision by the government of Pakistan, accepting the resumption of the Pakistan-India cricket series in December 2015-January 2016, with Pakistan hosting it in Sri Lanka,” read a PCB press release. “Details of the proposed series will be announced later, once the BCCI gives the go-ahead for it.”

The covers come off: PM Nawaz approves cricket series with India

BCCI decision by Nov 30

The Express Tribune has learnt that the BCCI is likely to make Pakistan wait till November 30 before announcing its final decision on the matter.

“We assume that the BCCI will confirm its answer by the end of November, once the Indian government replies back to the board,” confirmed a PCB official. “We have announced our decision and it is now up to the Indians.” A BCCI working committee meeting was expected to take up the matter on Friday but a formal announcement will in all likelihood be made later on in the month.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 28^th,  2015.

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