The Sri Lankan cricket teams tour of Pakistan for a series of one-day internationals (ODIs) is in doubt because of a probable clash of dates with the Indian Premier League (IPL) Twenty20 competition.
Colombo, Mar.23 : The Sri Lankan cricket team's tour of Pakistan for a series of one-day internationals (ODIs) is in doubt because of a probable clash of dates with the Indian Premier League (IPL) Twenty20 competition.
According to The News, it appears likely the series will be postponed to ensure the IPL doesn't suffer.
The bilateral series was hurriedly agreed upon a couple of days ago with Arjuna Ranatunga, chairman of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), accepting an invitation from his Pakistan counterpart Nasim Ashraf in Lahore, as Pakistan rushed to fill the gaps in their calendar left by Australia's pull-out from a full tour in March-April.
Though dates were not decided, reports suggested that the series would go ahead between April 23 and May 5, after Sri Lanka complete their tour of the Caribbean.
However, the IPL begins on April 18 and a number of players from both sides are involved.
The IPL has told heads of various franchises that players from both sides will be available for the tournament and has urged them to work according to plan. Franchise heads have been assured that the IPL has the cooperation of both boards, who plan to schedule the series after the IPL ends on June 1.
The only window is between June 1, when the IPL concludes, and June 24, when the Asia Cup - also to be held in Pakistan - begins. But the extreme summer temperatures in most of Pakistan during June seemingly rule out that period, unless the entire series consists of day-night matches in Karachi.
ANI