Pakistan-India should give series Arun, says Lal

Former Indian cricketer believes both countries can improve relations only if there people to people contact

Former Indian cricketer Arun Lal threw his weight behind the revival of cricketing ties with Pakistan saying that the sport can bring both countries closer.

"Politics should not come in the way of sports, I welcome bilateral series with any country," he told reporters in Kolkatta.

"I am a sports lover and I would love to see a series with Pakistan,” he added. "You can improve relations only if there is sports and people to people contact.



The 59-year-old seemed optimistic about the Pakistan-India series happening in the near future even after Indian government’s reluctance to say yes to the December encounter.

"Even if it does not happen now, it will happen sometime very soon, in the future," said Lal.

Meanwhile on Monday, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Shaharyar Khan said on Monday that they are still waiting for a reply from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on the December series.

“I have asked [England and Wales Cricket Board president] Giles Clarke to bring an answer from India. He is going to call me in the evening to tell me the final reply from the Indians. Then we will decide what to do,” said Shaharyar, while addressing the media outside the PCB headquarters in Lahore.



When asked what is the decision that the PCB is planning to take once they get an answer, Shaharyar replied: “We have taken our decision. We want to play against India. It is their decision now.”

Shaharyar had stated on December 10 that he had written a letter to the BCCI demanding an answer within two days.



However, Indian media had reported earlier today, that BCCI president Shashank Manohar denied receiving any letter from the PCB.

When asked for his reaction on the matter, Shaharyar refused to comment on it but reiterated that a letter had been sent to the BCCI.



The Indian government’s delay on taking a decision regarding the series has already infuriated a lot of people from Pakistan but Shaharyar has said that the series will go ahead if they receive a reply now.

“It will be very difficult but we will manage a series against India if they say yes,” he said.



The Pakistan government gave permission for the series soon after the two boards had met in Dubai with ECB president as mediator. However, the Indian government hasn’t forwarded any reply on the concerned series.

When questioned about PCB extra flexibility on the Pakistan-India series, Shaharyar said the board was not being submissive and just wanted to play cricket.