There is a strong possibility of Bangladesh hosting a 'neutral' Test series later this year.

Speculation is rife at the moment that Pakistan wants to play their three-match Test series against the all-conquering Australians preferably in Dhaka in October.

Although no official confirmation has so far been made by either Boards, but according to a leading director of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) the prospect of such a series is not unlikely.

"We like other Boards are committed to playing host to Tests on neutral venues if the situation arises," said the influential BCB while talking to The Daily Star Sport last night.

Pakistan has remained in virtual sporting isolation since September 11 last year. Matters have turned worse following the devastating bomb blast during the tour of New Zealand in April this year.

With teams reluctant to travel to Pakistani because of fears over security, the PCB has now turned to playing Test cricket outside the country.

"It will be fantastic if the Test series goes ahead. From October to mid-November would not be a problem for us because West Indies will be coming here in the last week of November to play two Tests and three one-day internationals," said the BCB official.

"But we have not been officially approached yet by the PCB," he said.

According to press reports the PCB is keeping in touch with their

Bangladesh counterparts regarding the proposed series.

BCB president Ali Asghar was recently quoted as saying, "Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) contacted us about hosting the series in Bangladesh and we have shown our enthusiasm on the prospect."

The BCB chief also had talks with PCB director Munawwar Rana on the issue during last week's ICC meeting in London. Besides, the PCB is reported keen on playing the one-day series in Sri Lanka. But the plan appears unlikely because of the ICC Champions Trophy in September.

TransWorld International, the PCB's broadcasting partner, earlier recommended the Kenyan capital Nairobi for next month's one-day series.

The PCB said it lost around 25 million dollars since January 2001 because of West Indies and New Zealand cancelled visits. West Indies became the latest team to refuse to tour in February. They ended up playing two Tests and three one-day matches against Pakistan in Sharjah.

Meanwhile, the PCB will make a decision by the end of next week after consulting with the Australian Cricket Board.