South Africa might host Pakistan in a bilateral series later this year

South Africa is expected to host Pakistan for a bilateral series later this year in a window left vacant by the postponement of T20 Global League. Cricket South Africa (CSA) hastily postponed the marquee event last week which was earlier scheduled to commence from November 3. However, the decision raised quite a few eyebrows as the tournament was going to be a huge boost to the local talent to display their prowess in their respective departments.

Pakistan is currently involved in the ODI series against Sri Lanka in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) which will be followed by three T20 Internationals. The third and final match of the tour is scheduled in Lahore at Gaddafi Stadium on October 29. On the other hand, South Africa is playing a rather one-sided series against Bangladesh and will be played until the end of this month. Both the teams don’t have any international assignment and might soon come to an agreement of playing a short series in the vacant period.

Final decision to be taken soon

The cricket boards of both the countries are reported to be in talks of a possible series towards the end of 2017 according to geo.tv. Also, the sources have confirmed the news about Proteas hosting Sarfraz Ahmed and his troops. The postponement of the T20 tournament has freed up the South African team towards the end of the ongoing year, and PCB is in early talks with CSA for a tour, the sources said.

The further details regarding the fixtures and venues would be finalised once the tour is officially confirmed. South Africa is free after the series against Bangladesh until the Boxing Day Test against Zimbabwe which will be the first ever four-day International game which ICC approved in its meeting in Auckland, albeit on a trial basis. If the tour is finalised, the long summer in South Africa would just lighten up which is already ready to host India and Australia apart from Zimbabwe.