Published: Aug 10, 2015, 10:48 PM (IST)
Edited: Aug 10, 2015, 10:48 PM (IST)
Karachi: Amid speculation over the resumption of Indo-Pak cricketing ties, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Shaharyar Khan today admitted that the planned series between the two nations in United Arab Emirates (UAE) in December is in “real danger” and said that he plans to travel to India next month to discuss the issue. The former diplomat told a media conference in Lahore that he plans to meet with the Board of Cricket for Cricket in India (BCCI) hierarchy and other government officials to discuss the scheduled series. “There is a real danger at this time to the series. But I plan to go to India to get a clear answer on the prospects of the matches being held in December,” Khan said. READ: PCB have back-up plan if India refuse to play Pakistan in UAE: Shahryar Khan
He pointed out that the PCB was very keen to follow the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the two boards to play six bilateral series between 2015 and 2022 after the new governance system took place in the International Cricket Council. “I want to have frank discussions with the relevant officials in India because we can’t delay preparations for too long and we need to know where we stand,” he said. READ: Shahryar Khan vows to revive Pakistan cricket’s domestic structure
Khan said the positive aspect of the whole episode was that so far the BCCI was also ready to play the series but were waiting for a confirmation from their government. “BCCI is standing firm that they will respect the MoU signed with Pakistan, but they need permission from the recently elected government,” the PCB chief said. READ: ICC revives task team for Pakistan cricket
Khan, who has remained a high commissioner in New Delhi and also foreign secretary also admitted that the present political relations between the two countries could have a bearing on the series. “I am doing everything to convince the governments to allow this series but the present political relations will have an influence and we don’t know what the situation will be in the next six months,” he said.
Khan pointed out that many former greats, the PCB and even the international cricket community were off the opinion that Pakistan and India should play regular bilateral cricket. “The PCB stance remains sports and politics should be kept apart.” READ: Pakistan reveal alternate plan in case India opt out of December series
Khan said the PCB hoped that the BCCI will honour the MoU and there would be a green light from the Indian government soon for the series in December. “If this does not happen it is not good for cricket overall.”
