Lahore: Cricket Australia has asked the Pakistan Cricket Board to schedule the limited overs series between the two countries closer to the ICC T20 World Cup this year in Sri Lanka.

Chief Operating Officer of PCB, Subhan Ahmad said that Australia wanted the ODI series to end closer to the starting date of the T20 World Cup, which is scheduled to start on September 18.

"Since the series with Australia is also being held in Sri Lanka both countries feel it would be best for the teams if they play closer to the World Cup," Ahmad said.

Since Australia has refused to tour Pakistan because of security concerns, Pakistan has scheduled its 'home' ODI series in Sri Lanka.

The series includes five ODIs and three T20 matches. "The tentative itinerary for the series has been prepared but it will be finalised when our director of International Cricket, Intikhab Alam visits Sri Lanka next week to see arrangements for the series and the venues," Ahmed said.

He said tentatively the series should begin around the middle of August and end around September 6 or 7 so that both teams can remain in Sri Lanka and have a rest before the World Cup.

Unconfirmed reports say that Pakistan and Australia will play the first two ODIs in Kandy, the next two in Palakella and then the final one in Colombo.

"The three T20 matches will be held in Colombo," a source said.

Pakistan is also due to tour Sri Lanka from May 29 to play three Tests, five ODIs and two T20 matches.