Cricket Pakistan close to confirming triangular ODI tournament

Lahore, Aug 28 PPI: Pakistan Cricket Board says they are close to confirming a hastily-arranged triangular tournament in South Africa.

PCB officials have been in urgent talks with a number of nations after ICC Champions
Trophy was cancelled next month after Australia, England, New Zealand and South
Africa refused to play in Pakistan for security reasons.

The Board has been busy trying to organise some international cricket for Pakistan,
who have not played any Test matches this year and have only been involved in
one-day series against Bangladesh & Zimbabwe, plus recent Asia Cup.

South Africa and Sri Lanka have reportedly agreed to take part in tri-nations
tournament. PCB spokesman Mansoor Suhail said: "Yes, we are in constant touch with
both Sri Lanka and South Africa and chances are that the triangular series will be
played next month."

"We wanted to fill the gap and that's why we have made some serious efforts to have
some international cricket. Venues and final
dates of triangular series will be finalized in the next couple of days," he added.

India have turned down opportunity to take part while Australia were also given the
chance to play.

South Africa captain Graeme Smith said on Wednesday that selectors would need to
give squad members chance to play with
several first-teamers, including himself, feeling jaded after a long summer in England.