
India and Pakistan signed an agreement to play six series, four of which Pakistan will host in the next eight years, on the sidelines of an International Cricket Council (ICC) annual conference in Melbourne last week.
The windfall for Pakistan was made possible after they conditionally agreed to approve an ICC revamp that gives major powers to cricket's "Big Three", India, Australia and England.
The shake-up, which Pakistan initially opposed, was formally endorsed at the meeting in Melbourne.
"We would have been left isolated and gone bankrupt in two years had we not approved the revamp," Sethi told media on return from Australia.
"We get the most revenues when we play with India and if all goes well we are set to earn $300 million from the four series we host against India," he said.
Sethi said Pakistan gained significantly during the ICC meeting.
"Pakistan have been included in the executive committee of the ICC for one year, with India, Australia and England as the permanent members, which means we will be at the forefront of most of the decisions," said Sethi.
That, Sethi claimed, will get Pakistan the most funds after the Big Three.
"We will get revenues on fourth number, and I can say with confidence that in the next eight year cycle we will get $150 million dollars from the ICC," he said, bringing the total takings to $450 million.
This compares to Pakistan receiving $10 million from the ICC per year in the last seven-year cycle, Sethi added.
The first of the series with India is scheduled for December next year, likely to be played in United Arab Emirates.
"The agreement is now on paper and I hope that the day will also come when PMs of both the countries clear it, then the two countries will also play in Pakistan. But at the moment it is not possible," Sethi added.
International cricket in Pakistan has been suspended since March 2009 when militants attacked the Sri Lankan team bus, leaving eight people dead and seven visiting players injured.
But Sethi said there would be no compensation if India does not play due to non-clearance from New Delhi.
"There was no compensation before, there is none now. This is not the norm in mutual series when government does not give permission."
Mohammad Aamer's return
Sethi also said banned paceman Mohammad Aamer will be able to play domestic cricket before his worldwide ban expires in August next year.
"The ICC committee will finalise changes in the anti-corruption code in October this year after which the PCB will submit an application on relaxing the ban on Aamer and in the last year of his ban Aamer will be able to play domestic cricket to get ready for the international matches," said Sethi.
Aamer was banned for five years on charges of spot-fixing during the Lord's Test against England in 2010. Then-Pakistan Test captain Salman Butt and Mohammad Asif were also banned for a minimum of five years in the same case.
COMMENTS (10)
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Haters please note that this is better than the 'doom' that Zaka would've brought to your country's cricket...Mr. Sethi, you are doing a good job, please keep it up..
However, "big 4"??? errrr..never mind ;p
So Mr. Sethi you intend to bring back Muhammad Aamir as soon as his ban will be over? Well there can't be any better news than that. How would you ensure that the one who sold himself for the sake of money once will not do that again?
It is not very ethical for Mr. Sethi to make such statements. Besides his desperation is embarrassing. He represents Pakistan cricket and must represent with dignity and not belittle the country by making claims that appear to not represent facts and which no one else validates; not the ICC nor the Indian Board. What about working to improve the Pakistan cricket and domestic cricket system?
ET: Kudos! You have self elected yourself to become 'the big four'.
Sethi to get 1% commission on revenues. Well done sparrow master!
Big four ??? Who ?? Everybody knows only BIG THREE ...
“There was no compensation before, there is none now. This is not the norm in mutual series when government does not give permission.”
What happened to the "BINDING" agreements clause in the new rules, what we were told since the very beginning of the new scheme of big three? Was Pakistan/India mentioned as an exception to the rules? Or What?
$450 M ----Human being is all capable of building castle in the air .---Pure Fantasy
How in the world Sethi is so confident ?
Any terror attack on Indian soil and this $450 M will be a change of 4 Rupee and 50 Paisa.
As long as Sethi or Establishment giving any assurance to India. I will advice PCB accountant to keep this in debt payment.
India and BCCI is not that Naïve.
How about you getting your share???
It is time to stop kidding yourselves that there is something called "big 4". Pakistan is on the executive committee for a period of one year and will be rotated out in 12 months alongwith West Indies!