KARACHI: Attempts to revive bilateral series between Pakistan and India keep being made but the road seems to end at the Indian government’s doorstep.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has been looking for a breakthrough that will bring an end to the deadlock which has deprived fans on both sides of the border of bilateral action since the Mumbai attacks in November 2008.
In a bid to resume ties, Ashraf and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) President N Srinivasan met on the sidelines of the International Cricket Council (ICC) meeting in Dubai. The PCB chief said the meeting held to specifically discuss the resumption was ‘constructive’ as the Indian board chief ‘showed keen interest’ in reviving cricket ties.
“We held a meeting to discuss the revival of bilateral series,” Ashraf told The Express Tribune from Dubai. “It was a constructive meeting as the BCCI president showed keen interest in resuming cricket ties. Srinivasan agreed to resume the series. However, he said the BCCI requires its government’s nod over the matter before finalising anything.”
PCB has government’s approval
While the BCCI rested the burden of resumption on its government, the PCB chief hinted at having the approval from its end.
“The PCB is making efforts with support from the Pakistan government and the foreign ministry. It’s because fans are keen to see Pakistan and India play again on a regular basis.”
Meeting a breakthrough: Official
Uncertainty still revolved around the schedule and the Indian government’s approval is still in the pipeline but a PCB official termed the meeting a huge breakthrough.
“The meeting itself is a positive development,” said the official. “It’s because the two cricketing chiefs finally met after a long time. Initially, we failed to hold talks despite repeated attempts,” he said while referring to the Asian Cricket Council meeting in December, where the PCB chief failed to meet Srinivasan.
“But now the chances have increased. Hopefully, the Indian government will soon give the green signal
as well.”
Published in The Express Tribune, February 1st, 2012.
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
"However, he said the BCCI requires its government’s nod over the matter before finalising anything.”>>>We have been hearing this for the past 2 years now....Come on BCCI grow up
Following our series with the English team, there is an away series with India in ICC's Future Tours Program. As Pakistani pointed out, sports and politics shouldn't mix, so both the teams should show some spirit and continue on with the series.
Please Indian government Sports and Politics Don't mix