West Indies reject invitation to tour Pakistan

The Pakistan Cricket Board's effort to host a home series received another jolt with the West Indies turning down an invitation to play a one-day series later in the year.

After being rejected by Australia, India and Sri Lanka for security reasons and scheduling problems, the PCB has now been told by the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) that they can't undertake a tour in August due to prior engagements.

The PCB had invited West Indies and New Zealand to play a three-match ODI series in August to give its team some practice before the Champions Trophy in September. This would have also helped the PCB recover from the financial setback suffered due to the postponement of Australia's tour in March. Bangladesh are currently in the country for a five-match ODI series and a Twenty20 international to cover for Australia's pull-out.

"Yes, the West Indies board has informed us that since they are already committed to play some games in Canada in August, they can't accept our invitation," Shafqat Nagmi, the PCB's chief operating officer, said. "We have sent a fresh invitation to New Zealand asking them to come and play a full five-match one-day series instead of three ODIs. We are awaiting a reply from them."