Pakistan-India series: Shukla frustrated by Indian government's delay

IPL chairman says the reluctance to reply has put PCB in a difficult position

The Indian Premier League (IPL) chairman Rajeev Shukla on Wednesday expressed his concern over government’s delayed reply on the bilateral series against Pakistan.

"It has been around 15-20 days since the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) sent a letter to the External Affair Ministry,” said Shukla while talking to the Indian media.

“The government should reply in yes or no now. There is no time left. Indian cricketers will not be available after December 30 as they will be touring Australia from January 5.



Shukla added that the delay has put Pakistan in a difficult position.

“I don't think Pakistan will be in a position to host a series in Sri Lanka,” said BCCI senior official Shukla. “I am not even sure what will be Pakistan's response on the series if they get a reply from the Indian government. Although there is a delay, government should at least give a reply.”

Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has already forwarded his consent for the series against India in Sri Lanka.

Meanwhile, the PCBchairman 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.