We will take legal action against BCCI for refusing to play bilateral series: PCB chairman

PCB chairman says board ready to pursue case against the BCCI in ICC, court

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Shaharyar Khan on Thursday said the board has been left with no option but to pursue legal action against the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for refusing to play a scheduled India-Pakistan bilateral series.

Talking to the media in Lahore, Khan said Pakistan has been willing to play cricket with India but has already been 'ditched' on two occasions in the past.

“There is no chance of an India-Pakistan series,” says Shaharyar. “If you remember we signed an MoU in 2014 whereby we had to play six series in eight years. India has already ditched us for two series citing government's refusal and the third one is not on in the current scenario. This leaves us with no other option except to take a legal action against them. We want to play cricket. We will be giving them a legal notice.

"However, before that, we will take our case to the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) dispute resolution committee. If there is no favourable outcome, then we will go to court. I think we have a strong case; we’ve lost around a million dollars.”

‘PSL3 preparations started’

After the success of PSL2, Shaharyar announced that the preparations for the third edition have begun.

“The preparations for the third edition of the PSL have started,” he said. “However, on [PSL chairman Najam] Sethi’s suggestion we also asked for an audit of the second edition to find out our costs and profits.”

The Octogenarian said PSL3 will be held in more than one cities. “PSL3 will be played in more than one city. The cities will be decided later as the preparations progress.”

Accreditation for biomechanics lab

PCB’s biomechanics lab, which was undertaken by LUMS last year, will soon become the sixth ICC accredited facility and first in Pakistan.

“We are expecting accreditation of the biomechanics lab in LUMS. It will be the sixth facility of its kind. The accreditation might be received in June-July 2017.”

‘Clarke’s visit fruitful’

Head of the ICC’s Pakistan task force Giles Clarke visited the country in January this year to assess the security situation for foreign teams’ tours and Shaharyar thinks his visit was successful.

“Clarke’s visit was successful,” he said. “He saw the PSL2 final in Lahore. Apart from that, eight security advisors from different boards and the ICC saw the match as well. They saw how enthusiastically people participated in the final. They will submit reports to their respective boards and the ICC now and this might help reopen the gates of international cricket in Pakistan.”

Annual awards

Shaharyar also announced awards for best performers which will be given in the PCB’s annual meeting every year.

“Annual meeting will have awards for best batsman, bowler, keeper, umpires and others to attract interest of the people,” Shaharyar explained.

‘Won’t contest for PCB post again’

Shahayar’s term as the PCB chairman ends in August 2018 and he clarified that he is not willing to be appointed again.

“I will not be a part of PCB after the August 2018 in any capacity,” said Shaharyar. “It is a personal decision; my health also is a reason. I have given it in written to the Patron that he can accept my resignation after the stipulated period and appoint a new chairman in accordance with the constitution.”