LAHORE, Oct 28: The Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) hopes to end the country’s Test match drought this year diminished further on Tuesday as their offer of a two-Test match series on a neutral venue was declined by the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB).

Saleem Altaf, Director General of the PCB, told media on Tuesday that the WICB has conveyed their decision on the proposed series in Abu Dhabi.

However, the two teams will play the scheduled three-match One-day International series in Abu Dhabi next month.

The PCB wanted their national squad to play at least one Test series as Pakistan have not played any Test match in 2008 so far, partly because Australia had refused to tour Pakistan on security grounds earlier this year.

To a question, Saleem said the West Indies, after reviewing the new terms and conditions from Pakistan, said they need time to have the input of their players’ association on the Test series, which could not be possible in such a short period.

“It will take time to consult the players’ association therefore it is not possible to confirm the (West Indies’) participation in near future. The series cannot be held,” he said.

Saleem, however, added that the West Indian authorities did not close the doors completely and suggested that further talks on the issue could be held on the eve of the ICC Chief Executives meeting in December.

“The two boards can discuss the possibility to hold the series after finding out suitable time from the annual activities scheduled for the next year,” he stated.

To another question Saleem admitted that it was possible that the PCB’s new offer over financial aspects had forced the West Indies to pull out of the series.

There are reports that the WICB had asked for $1000000, while the PCB had offered them only $400,000.

It seems the offer was made to the West Indies in haste without any planning.

Meanwhile, Saleem said no broadcaster was ready to pay sufficient amount for the proposed series which could even meet the expenditure, and the PCB was not ready to bear any big loss.