Test championship: Play Pakistan or lose points, Sethi tells BCCI

PCB chairman tells Indian cricket board there is no third option in global events

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Najam Sethi has told Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI that either they will have to let their team play against Pakistan or forfeit in case the teams are drawn against each other in the International Cricket Council (ICC) Test Championship.

There were reports in Indian media on Wednesday that BCCI representatives met Sports Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore to discuss the possibility of resuming cricketing ties with Pakistan.

While talking to the media at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore after a six-hour meeting with the Board of Governors (BoG), Sethi said he has not received information regarding any progress made on the other side of the border.

“I’ve not received any official information but to be honest, I don’t think India have a lot of choices,” said Sethi. “Either they will play us or they will forfeit and we will get the points. I don’t think any team has a third option.”

Sethi then explained why the announcement of the schedule for the third edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) has been delayed. “The schedule was ready, but the delay took place because Dubai and Abu Dhabi want more matches in the third edition. Therefore, we had to withhold the schedule as our team is going to the UAE to discuss possible solutions.”

The 69-year-old also claimed that all players are willing to travel to Pakistan for the PSL matches taking place in the country. “All players have agreed to come to Lahore,” said Sethi. “There are a few who are reluctant about coming to Karachi so we have planned a second draft.”