The three-match ODI series between Pakistan and Sri Lanka in Abu Dhabi has been postponed for at least one week. The opening match of the series was scheduled for May 9, 2007, but it is now uncertain when, or even if, it will start.

According to Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), the postponement of the series was requested by the Sri Lanka board after their team were delayed at Heathrow Airport on their way back from the Caribbean. However, newspaper reports suggest that the hastily-arranged series was struggling to find sponsors for the event and this is what has caused the delay.

That was, however, denied by the PCB. "The series is very much on and the dates of the matches would be announced by the organisers in consultation with the Sri Lankans and the PCB," Zakir Khan, PCB's director of operations, told The News.

Further reports suggest that the start date could be anytime between May 15 and May 18, but the PCB is yet to receive a Memorandum of Understanding from the hosts. Only then can the dates be confirmed.

Pakistan players, in the wake of their early exit from the tournament, are already in action on the county circuit as well as a training camp in Lahore organised by the new selection committee.

URL: http://cricketflavor.blogspot.com/2007/05/abu-dhabi-series-faces-delays.html