PCB hopeful of series with India in England in June 2016

Karachi: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is hopeful that following the thaw in India and Pakistan relations a breakthrough will come soon in the restoration of bilateral cricket ties with a short series in England likely to open doors in 2016.

A reliable source in the PCB told PTI that stung by whatever had transpired in the last two to three months by way of the planned bilateral series between Pakistan and India in December the PCB had now decided to change its policy.

"The PCB has also got feelers from the government to remain quiet on Indo-Pak cricket ties," the source said.

"They have been told that the surprise visit by Indian Prime Minister Narendar Modi to Lahore which had led to a thaw in tensions between the two countries could lead to restoration of bilateral cricket ties as well," the source disclosed.

"But the PCB has been told not to speak anymore on planned series and wait until some announcement comes from India," he stated.

According to the source there is hope that the Indian cricket board will get permission from its government to play cricket with Pakistan and they could than agree to play three ODIs and three T20 matches in England in 2016.

"The series could happen in England sometime in June as the IPL is from April 9 to May 29 and both teams will have a window in June," the source said.

He said since Pakistan is due to reach England in early July for a three month tour the short series is also being planned in England where there is a big expatriate community of Pakistanis and Indians.

"Pakistan also played a "home" series against Australia in England in 2010 when they last toured England for a full series," he reminded.

"The England and Wales Cricket Board is also silently supporting such a proposal as its President Giles Clarke has been playing the role of a mediator between the Pakistan and Indian boards," he added.