Unprecedented level of Pakistan-India understanding during current tenure: Ashraf

Ashraf had earlier claimed Bangladesh team’s visit was postponed because of lax security by Punjab government.

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) does not indulge in politics, while an unprecedented level of understanding has been built between Pakistan and India during the current board’s tenure, said PCB Chairman Zaka Ashraf in a press conference.

Ashraf had earlier claimed that the Bangladesh team’s scheduled visit in April was postponed because of lax security measures by the Punjab government. The chairman stuck to his assertion, rubbishing claims by Deputy Speaker of Punjab assembly Rana Mashood that the board was ‘politicising’ the issue.

“The PCB has never played politics, and has remained committed to fostering amity between the two countries via the game”, said Ashraf.

“The Indian cricket board chairman himself says that despite trying for years, the Pak-India cricket brotherhood has not enjoyed a greater level of understanding as it does now.” The recent schedule of Twenty20 matches was thought to be an achievement in this regard.

This is but the beginning, and teams will flow in and out from either side of the Pak-India of the border in the near future at a greater frequency, said Ashraf.

However, it all depends on the provision of effective security, he added.