New Delhi, Dec 4 (NDTV): An India-Pakistan cricket series is unlikely for now, even in a neutral venue like Sri Lanka, with the government signaling to the cricket board that the "atmosphere is not conducive," say sources.

The Centre, say sources, believes that public sentiment is against Pakistan after a series of ceasefire violations and attacks in Jammu and Kashmir, and it is not the right time to resume cricket ties.

Sources have told NDTV that while the government has conveyed the message to the BCCI or Board for Control of Cricket in India, a formal communication is expected on Monday.

The series was to start on December 15 and the government would have cleared it by now if it wanted, sources said.

The Pakistan government had given its approval to its cricket Board on last week for a series in neutral Sri Lanka. India and Pakistan were scheduled to play three ODIs and two Twenty20 internationals.

Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had also expressed his approval on November 26.

Last week, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Pakistani PM shook hands and spoke on the sidelines of the Paris Climate Change conference. The meeting projected a different picture after months of strained ties.

In recent weeks, India and Pakistan had differed over the venue of the series. Pakistan wanted India to play at the United Arab Emirates, but the BCCI wanted it in India.

As part of an understanding between the two countries in 2014, India and Pakistan are scheduled to play six bilateral series between 2015 and 2023, with four series hosted by Pakistan. If India does not honour the pact, Pakistan could go to an international court for justice

Pakistan and India last clashed in the ICC World Cup Down Under earlier this year. Pakistan toured India in 2012-13 for three ODIs and two Twenty20 internationals.