Sharjah may step in to host Pakistan’s upcoming series against Sri Lanka after 10 players pulled out, citing security concerns.

Following the player withdrawal, the Sri Lankan cricket board announced on Thursday that it would “reassess the situation before embarking on the tour” after its government had been warned about a potential terrorist threat.

The series is due to start on September 27, with three ODIs and three T20s to be played up until October 9.  

Although an approach to Sharjah has not yet been made, the emirate’s cricket officials appear happy to welcome Pakistan again.

“We have been together for the past 40 years so if they come, we would be happy to host them,” Mazhar Khan, Sharjah Cricket Stadium’s administrator, told The National.

Sharjah Cricket Stadium’s schedule is not looking as busy this year after it was announced the Afghanistan Premier League T20 competiton would not be returning in 2019.

Despite Sharjah’s informal offer, the Pakistan Cricket Board is determined to host the series as part of its effort to bring international cricket back to Pakistan on a permanent basis – having played the large majority of its ‘home’ matches in the UAE over the past decade.

The Pakistan Super League semi-finals and final were hosted in Karachi this year, a move it was hoped would be the next step towards hosting internationals regularly in Pakistan.