Pakistan-India series: ‘Fans to get good news soon’
Butt, who visited India recently and met with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) officials, hinted at a breakthrough during discussions with his counterparts.
While there have been meetings to discuss the arrangement of the bilateral series, India, with their packed schedule, are unlikely to create a window.
However, the BCCI Vice-President Rajiv Shukla had earlier announced that the board had received the go-ahead from the Indian government and with the PCB already eager to hold the series, Butt’s visit seems to have achieved a lot.
Relations were strained after the Mumbai attacks in November 2008 and while the two cricket-crazy nations have clashed with each other in various tournaments, fans have been deprived of a bilateral series. However, the arrangement got a lifeline with the new Future Tours Programme (FTP) of the International Cricket Council which shows a series between the two countries in March-April next year.
‘Series to be finalised soon’
The PCB chief said that his meetings with BCCI officials would help in reviving bilateral ties.
“I held discussions with Indian officials,” Butt told The Express Tribune. “Both countries have shown their eagerness for the revival of the series. We’re working on finalising terms and conditions and fans will hear the good news soon.”
‘Talks of neutral venue premature’
Meanwhile, the PCB chairman termed reports that suggest a neutral venue as a possible location for the bilateral series as premature.
“We are still at a stage of finalising things. Confirming anything on the venue would be premature.”
Shukla also expressed unawareness on the reports of a neutral venue.
Creating window is a tough task
Meanwhile, despite the breakthrough, revival in the near future appears slim due to the tight international schedule of the two teams.
India are unlikely to fit in the series this year due to a hectic schedule while the scheduled series is also clashing with the Asia Cup.
“This is why the two boards are not confirming anything,” said a PCB official. “They’re working on the creation of a window for the series as soon as possible.”
Published in The Express Tribune, August 29th, 2011.
COMMENTS (3)
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ
Don’t be fooled by Mr. Butt's statement. It is just a gimmick so that he can extend his tenure. Why did he choose this time to initiate the cricketing talks with India? Why not earlier in his tenure? Anyway he won’t be able to do much unless BCCI approves the series. Everyone knows that BCCI are the cricketing bullies and take a decision that pleases them.
The only good news we want to hear is Ijaz Butt leaving PCB forever.
What about Football Series. Any new dates confirmed.