The Sri Lankan team will require a clearance from the foreign ministry before going ahead with its proposed tour of Pakistan.

This was confirmed by Sports Minister Gamini Lokuge.

Well-placed sources said the fate of the series hangs in balance after the Sports Ministry sacked the interim committee of the Sri Lankan Cricket which had committed to a tour of Pakistan starting January 20.

Lokuge said security clearance was required before giving giving a go ahead for the tour.

"We also need the foreign ministry clearance for the cricket tour to Pakistan and will be discussing the matter soon," he said.

Cricket in Pakistan will suffer if Sri Lanka refuse to tour

Lokuge had earlier said that he would hold discussions with the Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa on the issue.

Meanwhile, sources told PTI that though Sri Lanka wanted to help Pakistan host some international cricket at home soil, it was apprehensive of doing something that might go against India's interest.

"Pakistan is our good friend and has supported us on many occasions. Sri Lanka has also always expressed its solidarity with Pakistan. But decisions also cannot be against India's interest," they said.

But, Arjuna had promised.....

Last Friday, Ranatunga had confirmed the island cricket team's tour to Pakistan saying the country had a duty as a friendly neighbour to Pakistan when it was needed most.

The Pakistan Cricket Board had sent an invitation to the Sri Lankans after India cancelled its tour of Pakistan following the Mumbai terror attacks.