The International Cricket Council has confirmed that India and Pakistan are set to play a bilateral series in December 2015. This will be the first of six series scheduled between the two countries during the eight-year future tours programme cycle from 2015 to 2023.
According to an official privy to the details of the meeting, a final decision on the series would be made by November 27. He added that dates and stadiums haven't been chalked out yet but indicated the matches would be played towards the latter part of December to avoid washouts.
Both the BCCI and PCB confirmed that they had written to their governments asking for clearance for the tour, which is likely to feature five limited-overs games - three ODIs and two T20s. This is the first official confirmation offered by the BCCI about the decision taken to play the bilateral series in Sri Lanka.
According to the FTP cycle, India and Pakistan are scheduled to play 12 Tests, 30 ODIs and 11 Twenty20s spread over six series. The first of these, likely to be a home series for Pakistan, could be played in the UAE and is expected to comprise two Tests, five ODIs and two T20s.
Sri Lanka is fast emerging as the likeliest venue to host a shortened bilateral series between Pakistan and India. Sri Lanka Cricket has been sounded out by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), and appear very keen to host the series.
South Africa's tour of India finishing on December 7 and India travelling to Australia for a limited-overs series from January 12, both boards decided to modify the original schedule. The best possible option was playing three ODIs and two T20Is. In the ICC FTP Pakistan are listed to host India for a full tour comprising two Tests, five ODIs and two T20Is.
