Our reply to tri-nation T20I series invitation will depend on ECB's answer: PCB's official

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB)'s official has told The News that they are looking for possible options to participate in tri-nation T20I series involving New Zealand and Bangladesh. 

On Tuesday, PCB received an official invitation from New Zealand Cricket (NZC) to play in tri-nation T20I series just before the T20 World Cup, scheduled in October-November this year. 

Before responding to the invitation, PCB is reviewing national team's schedule, especially seven scheduled home T20Is against England in late September and early October. 

"We have only been informed by the ECB that their national team is to play seven T20Is in Pakistan ahead of the World Cup. We don’t know at this point of time when the England team is to arrive as the schedule is yet to be finalised. ECB’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Tom Harrison resigned on Tuesday. Some other changes are bound to happen in the ECB, so we cannot accept the invitation unless and until we get a clear schedule from the ECB. At the same time, we cannot turn down the invitation as it would be an ideal opportunity for our World Cup-bound team to train for the event starting on October 18 in Australia," PCB's official told this correspondent. 

"The series against England is expected to begin after September 20. There are seven T20I matches to be played between Pakistan and England and these could run till the first week of October. It all depends on the conclusion of the series. The seven-match series, by all means, will have to end by the first week of October, enabling the team to compete in the tri-series. So, we expect an early reply from the ECB, making it easier for us to take the final decision on the invitation," the official added. 

It must be noted here that Pakistan will host England for additional T20Is as they postponed their tour back in 2021 citing security concerns. 

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