Reports: Sri Lanka to host ODI series between Pakistan and Afghanistan

Pakistan and Afghanistan are set to lock horns in a three-match ODI series which is likely to be held in Sri Lanka before the Asia Cup 2023. Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) held talks with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) regarding a neutral venue for the ODI series.

It is understood that Hambantota is the frontrunner to host the series between the two sides. In addition to this, the two boards have given their approval for Sri Lanka to host the series, keeping in mind that the Island nation will co-host the much-awaited Asia Cup 2023.

Shammi Silva, President of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), confirmed that the board is in contact with the ACB over hosting the series.

“We are having discussion with them (ACB). They are very interested and I think it will go through, so we are happy to help our Asian countries and other countries as well,” Silva was quoted as saying by Cricket Pakistan.

The schedule for the ODI series is yet to be announced and is likely to be released in the coming days. Speaking about Pakistan, the Babar Azam-led side are in the midst of a two-Test series in Sri Lanka against the home side.

Pakistan kickstarted their ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 campaign on a terrific note, winning the first Test by four wickets and will look to clinch the series in the second Test. Meanwhile, Afghanistan played Bangladesh in a multi-format series at the latter’s home soil in their last assignment.

The Men in Green played Afghanistan in a three-match T20I series in March earlier this year. In their last meeting, Afghanistan stunned Pakistan, winning the series 2-1. With the Asia Cup and the ODI World Cup in the horizon, both sides will look to make the most from the ODI matches and get a balanced squad just in time for the aforementioned events. The two sides will also cross swords in the ODI World Cup in India on October 23, at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.