Pakistan and Sri Lanka to compete in Abu Dhabi

CRICKET: Pakistan and Sri Lanka will play a series of three one-day international matches in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, next month, a top official of the Pakistan Cricket Board said Tuesday.

"We have to work out some modalities with the Abu Dhabi Cricket Association and it will be done in due course of time before the series is organized next month," PCB chairman Naseem Ashraf told reporters in the eastern city of Lahore.

Dates have not been finalized for the Pakistan-Sri Lanka series but it is expected to be in the second week of next month, Ashraf said.

Pakistan was eliminated from the cricket World Cup in the first round after suffering successive defeats in group matches - against hosts West Indies and unfancied Ireland.

Sri Lanka is currently competing in the Super 8 stage of the World Cup and is one of the favorites to qualify for the semifinals. PCB chairman Naseem Ashraf said "We would name the captain and coach next month after considering a number of options,".

ISLAMABAD, Tuesday, AP