Cricket Pakistan invite West Indies for Tests

Lahore, Sept 13 PPI: Pakistan Cricket Board has invited West Indies to play a two-Test series in Pakistan in November next.



It is another attempt by PCB to fill their scheduling gap after Champions Trophy was
postponed. PCB tried to organise a tour to South Africa, whose board rejected offer
of a one-day series.



A planned one-day series against Sri Lanka later this month also looks to have
fallen through because of a lack of interest from broadcasters.



A PCB spokesman said early this week that proposed Sri Lanka series, containing five
ODIs, was "very unlikely". Cricket South Africa had turned down Pakistan's offer,
citing player fatigue following their long tour of England.



The eight-team Champions Trophy was scheduled to take place in Pakistan from 12-28
September, but International Cricket Council postponed tournament until October 2009
because of security concerns.



Pakistan have not played a Test match in 2008, and do not have another scheduled
until January 2009, when they are due to host India.



"It is very difficult in hectic schedule to find a window when you postpone a
tournament," PCB chief operating officer Shafqat Naghmi said. "But we invited West
Indies to come and play two Tests after ODI series they play against us in Abu Dhabi
in November." West Indies Board is yet to comment on proposed tour.