‘India to play Pakistan only after govt clearance’
PCB chairman hopes Indian board will get the nod for the series in UAE.
According to the PCB chairman, the BCCI has indicated its willingness to honour last year’s MoU. PHOTO: AFP
Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman (PCB) Shaharyar Khan expects India to fulfil its commitment of playing a full series with Pakistan later in the year.
While speaking to reporters in Lahore, the chairman disclosed that the Board Of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is in talks with the PCB and has indicated that they want to honour the MoU signed between the two boards last year.
“The BCCI has conveyed to us that they want to honour their commitment and play the scheduled series against Pakistan in the UAE; however, the final call in this regard will be made by their government only.”
Shaharyar added that since a new government has been installed in India recently, the BCCI will need to seek clearance first before playing Pakistan in a bilateral series.
‘Our stance on Bangladesh justified’
The PCB chief added that the tour of Bangladesh, scheduled for after the World Cup, will only be undertaken if their board complies with the demands made by the PCB.
“Anti-Pakistan sentiments are predominant in Bangladesh, we can’t tour there without proper clearance and a commitment from their board on long term reciprocal tours from their ‘A’ and junior teams,” said Shaharyar. “The unfortunate fact is that Bangladesh are still holding on to our bitter past when we have moved on.”
Furthermore, Shaharyar also revealed his plan to invite ambassadors from cricket playing nations for a briefing on the return of international cricket in the country.
“On February 12, we will speak to ambassadors of different cricket playing nations in an effort to attract their teams to the country,” he said while also praising the facilities in Karachi, where future international teams, that visit Pakistan, can play.
‘Amir has followed due legal processes’
Shaharyar also backed fast-bowler Muhammad Amir, who has been granted permission to return to domestic cricket in Pakistan by the International Cricket Council.
“Amir has followed the proper legal process, and when he returns to cricket, there shouldn’t be any stigma attached to him,” he said.
Published in The Express Tribune, February 3rd, 2015.
While speaking to reporters in Lahore, the chairman disclosed that the Board Of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is in talks with the PCB and has indicated that they want to honour the MoU signed between the two boards last year.
“The BCCI has conveyed to us that they want to honour their commitment and play the scheduled series against Pakistan in the UAE; however, the final call in this regard will be made by their government only.”
Shaharyar added that since a new government has been installed in India recently, the BCCI will need to seek clearance first before playing Pakistan in a bilateral series.
‘Our stance on Bangladesh justified’
The PCB chief added that the tour of Bangladesh, scheduled for after the World Cup, will only be undertaken if their board complies with the demands made by the PCB.
“Anti-Pakistan sentiments are predominant in Bangladesh, we can’t tour there without proper clearance and a commitment from their board on long term reciprocal tours from their ‘A’ and junior teams,” said Shaharyar. “The unfortunate fact is that Bangladesh are still holding on to our bitter past when we have moved on.”
Furthermore, Shaharyar also revealed his plan to invite ambassadors from cricket playing nations for a briefing on the return of international cricket in the country.
“On February 12, we will speak to ambassadors of different cricket playing nations in an effort to attract their teams to the country,” he said while also praising the facilities in Karachi, where future international teams, that visit Pakistan, can play.
‘Amir has followed due legal processes’
Shaharyar also backed fast-bowler Muhammad Amir, who has been granted permission to return to domestic cricket in Pakistan by the International Cricket Council.
“Amir has followed the proper legal process, and when he returns to cricket, there shouldn’t be any stigma attached to him,” he said.
Published in The Express Tribune, February 3rd, 2015.