Abu Dhabi series back on track after PCB signs MoU

Lahore, May 9 (UNI) The uncertainty over the three-match ODI series between asian giants Pakistan and Sri Lanka has finally been cleared, with Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) signing the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

The series is scheduled to be held in Abu Dhabi from May 18 to 22.

The series was initially scheduled to begin from May 9 but was postponed following a request by the Sri Lanka board to defer it by a week because the team was delayed at Heathrow Airport on their way back from the Caribbean.

However, many believe that the hastily-arranged series was struggling to find sponsors for the event which resulted in the delay.

PCB Director Cricketer Operations, Zakir Khan informed 'Dawn' that the MoU had been signed and the series was confirmed now.

Zakir, however, did not disclose the amount which Pakistan will be paid for the series.

''I cannot disclose the amount PCB will receive for the series but it is a fact that both Sri Lanka and Pakistan will be receiving equal amount for the event,'' he said.

A Sri Lanka Cricket spokesman had reportedly disclosed that they would be getting 750,000 dollar.

The series was in doldrums for the last three months due to lack of interest on the part of sponsors and television channels. The series was to originally commence on May 9 but was later deferred to May 18.

UNI