India can play host to Pakistan-Australia ODI series: PCB

Karachi, May 23 (ANI): Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Zaka Ashraf has indicated that India could play host to Pakistan's limited-overs series against Australia.

Ashraf, who will be flying to India to attend the Indian Premier League (IPL) final on the invitation of his BCCI counterpart N Srinavasan, said the neighbouring country could be a possible venue for the series scheduled in August.

"We are seeing where the cost will be less," Ashraf said.

PCB is currently considering United Arab Emirates (UAE), Malaysia, South Africa and Zimbabwe as potential venues for the series prior to the World Twenty20 in Sri Lanka in September.

Pakistan has been playing its 'home' series in UAE since 2009, but the cost of hosting matches in the Emirates has reportedly dented the PCB finances, The Dawn reports.

"If the cost is less (in India), there's no harm in organising Pakistan's home series at some good venue," Ashraf has said.

The PCB chief is also hoping to revive bilateral ties with the BCCI during his upcoming tour.

The bilateral series has been suspended since 2008 after the terror attacks in Mumbai that killed 166 people.

Ashraf said he will be talking with his Indian counterparts on resuming cricketing ties. "Slowly the ice is melting," he said.

Pakistan last played India on a neutral venue on March 18, during the Asia Cup 2012. (ANI)