The much-aniticipated India vs Pakistan bilateral series is likely to be held in Sri Lanka in December. But, it will not be a full length series. The Test matches have been chucked out and the two neighbouring nations are likely to play three ODIs and two T20 matches during this much-awaited series.
According to the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that the two cricket boards, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), had signed, India and Pakistan are supposed to play six series between 2005 and 2013. As India will have to fly to Australia in the second week of January, the Test matches and a couple of ODIs have been struck off the series. According to The Telegraph, Kolkata, the Test series is likely to be played in England in 2016.
"Shaharyar has sought permission of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and the foreign ministry to play a limited-overs series with India in Sri Lanka next month," a source in the Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination told the reporters.
"The plan is that Pakistan would tour India in 2017 for a full series while before that India will play us in two phases. Indications are that the Tests will be held in England in summer."
The reports also suggest that the chief of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) Giles Clarke, who acted as a mediator during the meeting of Shashank Manohar and Shahryar Khan, came up with the idea of hosting the reminder of the India and Pakistan series (Test matches) in England.
The full length series would have consisted of two Tests, five ODIs and two T20 international matches. But due to time constraints, the series has to be cut short if it gets a nod from both the governments.
The rumours can already be heard that Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has already given a green signal to PCB and that would mean India will play Pakistan in December in Sri Lanka. The official announcement is expected to be made on Friday.
