PCB seeks Zaheer Abbas’ help for Pakistan-India series

Shahryar Khan said he had asked the ICC president to utilise his influence

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Shahryar Khan in an attempt to finalise the series against India in December has reached out to the International Cricket Council (ICC) president Zaheer Abbas for assistance.

The PCB was encouraged by a recent ICC statement which laid weight behind the importance of the series between both the countries.

"I met with Zaheer Abbas the other day and have asked him to use his influence as the ICC President and former captain to persuade the Indian board to confirm the series against us in December," said Shahryar, as quoted by NDTV.

Read: Shahryar Khan rejects Zaheer Abbas' suggestion to play home series in India

"We are keen to have the series on schedule as it is very important for the relations between the two countries.

"Zaheer is a respected figure in India and also the ICC President. I asked him to help us out. I hope he can do something and I remain hopeful that the series will take place," added Zaheer.

Shahryar, earlier, wrote a letter to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) seeking a final verdict on the series. The BCCI is yet to reply, but a government official recently said that the board has not approached them to seek any advice on the matter.

Read: Pakistan-India series: PCB writes letter to BCCI for confirmation

Zaheer, who was nominated by the PCB for the honorary position in the ICC, said he was ready to lend a helping hand.

"I will do my best because as a former player I also want the series to take place. I have said the series is important for cricket and also for Indo-Pak relations as well," he said.

Shaharyar said ICC CEO Dave Richardson’s remarks come are welcomed by PCB as he recognised the importance of the Pakistan-India cricketing ties.

"We want this series to happen and we have even agreed to play at a neutral venue (UAE) but we are still waiting for a positive response from the Indian board," he stated.

Read: PCB forced to cut costs in absence of Pakistan-India series

The PCB is in a tight spot at the moment because if the series does not materialise then they will have to cut costs and go for downsizing.