The Pakistan vs Sri Lanka first ODI on Friday was washed out without a ball being bowled at the National Stadium in Karachi.

It was a disappointing return for cricket in what was slated to be the first ODI played on a Karachi pitch in a decade. Heavy showers began as soon the two teams were whisked into the National Stadium under tight security in the afternoon.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), in a media release, confirmed that the decision has been made in consultation with Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC).

"The decision has been made in order to allow the groundstaff to prepare the Karachi National Stadium's outfield for next week's play, as heavy rains experienced during this week have left the outfield soggy," a statement said.

"This week's unseasonal heavy rains have forced us to review the series schedule. I am thankful to Sri Lanka Cricket as well as our host broadcasters for agreeing to amend the match schedule to ensure there are no further abandonments due to rain in what is an important bilateral FTP series for Pakistan," Zakir Khan, PCB Director - International Cricket, was quoted as saying in the release.

Karachi will also be hosting the final ODI on the tour, while the two teams will play three Twenty20 internationals in Lahore next month.

Zimbabwe were the first team to tour in Pakistan for six years when they played two Twenty20s and three one-day internationals in Lahore in 2015.

That was followed by a World XI tour and home T20 matches against Sri Lanka and the West Indies.

For the current tour, Pakistan have put in place stringent security measures normally reserved for heads of state.