Sri Lanka approached to host Afghanistan's \"home series\" against Pakistan

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has been approached by the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) to host its one-day bilateral home series against Pakistan next month, one of the top SLC board officials has confirmed.

Speaking exclusively over the telephone from Colombo on Thursday afternoon, he said, "yes, we have received this offer and talks are ongoing. At present, our grounds are busy hosting the domestic matches and they are also to be prepared for the Asia Cup and the LPL (Lanka Premier League) matches. We have not yet sent our affirmative response but will communicate with them in coming days".  

According to the well-placed sources in Kabul-based Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB), the approach has been made to the SLC to allow to play three ODIs against Pakistan at one venue and it is also learnt that it has been agreed in principle by the SLC to rent out its ground and the Stadium.

"As Afghanistan does not have any stadium, playing in Sri Lanka will be a good preparation for Asia Cup and the World Cup to follow soon after," the source revealed.

"We were also keen to host these matches in the UAE or Qatar, but it was not feasible considering the extreme heat climate there."

The Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) and the Indian Cricket Board (BCCI) gave hosted Afghanistan's matches in the UAE and India in the past but considering Indian government's possible denial to give visas to the Pak players, India was also not considered for this bilateral series.

The dates and one venue for the three ODI matches, if to be held in Sri Lanka, are likely to be finalized soon, and the ACB support staff and the team members are believed to be advised to assemble in Sri Lanka on August 10 or 12.