Europe may host India-Pakistan one-dayers

India and Pakistan are likely to play a five-match ODI series in Europe in 2007, according to David Collier, the England Cricket Board (ECB) chief. England could host two matches with the remaining to be staged at other venues in Europe.

"We've had some discussions. It's more likely it will be considered in 2007," Collier told BBC Sport. "We've got a number of broadcasting issues we need to look at but clearly an India-Pakistan one-day series has some great attractions."

Lalit Modi, vice-president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), said that Lord's had agreed to host one of the matches, pending an approval from the ECB.

The latest development is the result of the Indian and Pakistan boards agreeing to stage more matches between the two teams in neutral venues, especially in countries which have a large number of Asian migrants, both as a way to entertain the expatriate population as well as to maximise revenues. The two sides are scheduled to play two official ODIs at Abu Dhabi on April 18 and 19, and the funds from the first match will go towards the earthquake relief fund. In 2004, the BCCI helped organise a tri-series between India, Pakistan and Australia in Holland, prior to the ICC Champions Trophy.

Collier also announced that the ECB would be bidding to host the proposed Twenty20 World Championship in 2009 and 2013, as well as the 2015 World Cup.

"England has got the experience of Twenty20 finals day, where we have got three matches in a day. I think the ICC are looking to us for our experience in that type of format and it would be wonderful if we get a major global cricket event in the UK," he said.