'Desperate' PCB mulls using diplomatic channel to salvage Lanka series

Karachi, Dec.25 (ANI): Pakistan it seems is trying everything to lure teams to tour the cricket starved country.

In a desperate step to save the proposed Sri Lanka tour from getting cancelled, the PCB has said that it will even use diplomatic channels to save the home series, if needed.

"We will use diplomatic channels if needed in a bid to save the proposed home series against Sri Lanka lined up for January-February next year," the News quoted Chief operating officer of Pakistan Cricket Board Saleem Altaf , as saying.

The PCB has said that all options are open as far as resuming international cricket in Pakistan is concerned.

"We are keeping every option open. We will also explore the option of using diplomatic channels to ensure that the home series against Sri Lanka does take place," Altaf said.

Pakistan is expecting to host Sri Lanka for a test series after the Indian government refused to send their cricket team to Pakistan citing security reasons in the wake of Mumbai carnage.

There are fears in the Pakistan cricket arena that the tour may not materialize after the interim Sri Lanka cricket board was dissolved recently.

Sri Lanka's cricket set-up headed by former captain Arjuna Ranatunga was dissolved by the country's sports minister Gamini Lokuge.

"I will discuss about the proposed tour of Pakistan with President Mahinda Rajapaksa," Lokuge had said earlier.

The PCB is looking towards President Asif Ali Zardari to intervene in the matter.

The PCB also has the option of requesting Pakistan President Asif Zardari to personally call Rajapaksa in a bid to save the home series.

"If needed the Board chairman Ijaz Butt might personally request Zardari to make contact with his Sri Lankan counterpart and discuss the series," the News quoted a PCB official, as saying. (ANI)