PCB hopes for Windies Tests

The Pakistan Cricket Board have indicated they would be willing to play a two-Test series against West Indies at a neutral venue.

Pakistan invited Chris Gayle’s men for a series to compensate for the postponement of the ICC Champions Trophy, which was called off because of security concerns.

The Asian nation have had little international cricket this year and have not played a Test at home so far.

The PCB hope the Windies will accept their invitation to play two Tests to be scheduled immediately after a three-match one-day series between the two teams in Abu Dhabi.

"I think we need to now deal with this issue of teams not touring Pakistan because of security concerns more maturely," said PCB chief operating officer Shafqat Naghmi.

"We must also look at other options in given conditions."

Several senior West Indies players are reportedly unwilling to tour the troubled country because of fears for safety and the West Indies Cricket Board is yet to make a final decision on the tour.

But Naghmi stressed the importance of cricket continuing in his country.

"Cricket needs to go on in Pakistan and we cannot go without international cricket for long. It is imperative that the cricketers play.

"We have told the West Indies that we are now willing to consider playing the two Tests in Abu Dhabi."