PCB to arrange tri-series in SA

The PCB is expected to organise a triangular ODI series in South Africa next month to help fill the gap created by the postponement of the Champions Trophy which was scheduled to begin from September 11. The tournament, tentatively scheduled for September 12-28, is likely to feature Sri Lanka as the third team.

"We are in constant touch with both Sri Lanka and South Africa and the chances are that the tri-series will be played next month," PCB spokesman Mansoor Suhail told AP.

He said serious efforts had been made to ensure international cricket was played in the two-week corridor and expected the venues and final dates for the tri-series to be finalised "in the next couple of days."

Suhail confirmed that India turned down an invitation for the tournament, which would have resulted in a quadrangular series. Earlier, Shafqat Naghmi, PCB's chief operating officer had told PTI: "The Indian board president had given us 50% assurance that India might participate. However, we don't want to take any gloss away from the next, and most important, assignment [at home against India] by playing against them so close to the series."

Pakistan are scheduled to host India for three Tests and five ODIs in December under the FTP.