In the space of two days, the media manager of PCB has contradicted two reports relating to future matches during Pakistan's tour of India in December for a short series, aimed at reviving bilateral ties between the two nations.
Published: Jul 21, 2012, 10:11 PM (IST)
Edited: Jul 21, 2012, 10:11 PM (IST)
PCB media manager denied media reports that there were plans to have a Indo-Pak series in England next year © Getty Images
Lahore: Jul 21, 2012
In the space of two days, the media manager of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has contradicted two reports relating to future matches during Pakistan’s tour of India in December for a short series, aimed at reviving bilateral ties between the two nations.
In the first instance the media manager, Nadeem Sarwar, strongly denied reports that the PCB would be talking to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) about revenue sharing for the series.
According to Sarwar the PCB had no such plans and it was only keen on reviving bilateral ties with India.
In the second instance, Sarwar today denied media reports that there were plans to have a Indo-Pak series in England next year.
Media reports have said that with the BCCI showing some flexibility on allowing Pakistan to host India at a neutral venue, England was under consideration as a possible venue for a planned series next year.
Interestingly, an official of the board had himself confirmed that Pakistan would discuss the possibility of a revenue sharing formula with the BCCI for the series.
The BCCI is expected to earn around USD 50 to 60 million from hosting the short series of ODIs and T20 matches against Pakistan and the official said that PCB believed it should get a share since India had not compensated it for the cancelled tour to Pakistan in early 2009.
Pakistan’s former captain, Rashid Latif told PTI that while the revival of bilateral ties with India was a very good step forward to improving relations between both countries, Pakistan also needed to look after its financial interests.
“India has not toured Pakistan since early 2006 and even under the ICC future tours program they should allow Pakistan to host a series if not in Pakistan than at a neutral venue.
Improving bilateral cricket ties is fine but the PCB is also duty-bound to ensure it does not get a rough deal from the BCCI,” Latif said.
“The most important thing is India has not compensated us for the cancelled tour in 2009 and they also didn’t play us as per the FTP this year,” he said.
