PHOTO: FILE
KARACHI: Every step taken towards a Pakistan-India bilateral series has been followed by two steps back and that has once again been the case as yet again conflicting statements emerged from the two boards.
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Shaharyar Khan had claimed that his Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) counterpart Shashank Manohar called to inform him that the Indian government has given the go-ahead for a series between the countries in December.
“I received a call from Manohar and he told me that they want to resolve whatever issues are plaguing the potential Pakistan-India series, so that cricket between the two countries can be resumed,” said Shaharyar. “I was told by Manohar that the BCCI received permission from the Indian government, but the series should be played in India.”
Pakistan not ready to play in India: PCB chairman
According to the Future Tours Programme signed for eight years during the formation of the Big Three, the PCB and the BCCI had agreed upon four home series for Pakistan and two for India. The first of the six series was set to be hosted by Pakistan at a venue agreed by both parties.
“The BCCI chairman said that the matches will be hosted at venues in India where there will be no danger to the Pakistan team,” added Shaharyar. “He added that since it was technically Pakistan’s home series, the BCCI wants to sit down and make arrangements regarding the finances.”
The PCB chairman claimed he told Manohar that the Pakistan board will be holding out for a series in the UAE.
However, in a strange turn of events, Manohar was quick to deny Shaharyar’s claims. Just minutes after the PCB chairman’s media talk, the BCCI chief said that they have not even approached the government for clearance, let alone receive one.
BCCI says India ready to host Pakistan for short series in December: report
“It’s an incorrect statement. We have not yet approached the government. I have [only] talked to Shaharyar over the phone,” said Manohar.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 15th, 2015.
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