Swaraj to weigh in on Pakistan-India series: PCB chief

Shahryar Khan says he has been informally told the Indian foreign minister might bring information on series

Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Shahryar Khan said on Monday India’s foreign minister Sushma Swaraj might weigh in on the Pakistan-India series during her Islamabad visit tomorrow.

“I have been told informally that Swaraj might bring information regarding the series,” the PCB chief said, while responding to a question regarding the Indian foreign minister’s visit.

Top Indian diplomat Sushma Swaraj will arrive in Islamabad on Tuesday (December 8) to attend a regional conference on Afghanistan, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s Adviser on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz said.



Addressing the media in Lahore, the PCB chief said, “We will wait a couple of more days for India’s reply on the three-ODI and two-T20 series scheduled to be played in Sri Lanka in mid-December.”

“We might face difficulty in the logistic arrangements for the series if India further delays its reply,” he added. “But if they send a positive signal in another couple of days, then we can manage something.”

“As soon as I get any confirmation from the Indian government, I will let you know,” the PCB chief assured.



The Octogenarian also clarified that no alteration in the series is under consideration at the moment.

“We haven’t received any proposal about reducing the number of matches in the series, if the series takes place,” said Shahryar.

The PCB chairman took the opportunity to thank all the parties who were involved in backing the Pakistan-India series.

“I am thankful to Sri Lanka for their support in providing the venue for the series. The International Cricket Council (ICC) also played their part. Giles Clarke was also very helping during the talks. I want to thank all of them for their support,” he said.



Earlier on Monday, Indian Premier League (IPL) chairman Rajiv Shukla demanded a reason from his government for the delayed reply regarding the Pakistan-India series.

"We welcome the discussions that are happening at the Government's level. But why is there a delay in clearance for the resumption of cricket between India and Pakistan,” said Shukla.



“Either clearance should be given or inform that the clearance will not be given, so that there is a clear situation. I just want to know why there is a delay, why they are facing difficulty in taking decisions.”