Pak-India cricket fans eagerly waiting for positive decision on bilateral series

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Tuesday announced a cash award of Rs. 2-crore for the Indian cricket team for their emphatic 3-0 win in the just-concluded series against South Africa.

According to Pakistan Cricket Board chief Shaharyar Khan, as Indian External Affairs minister Sushma Swaraj’s visit to Islamabad has not yielded any results in terms of cricket, any hopes of a bilateral cricket series between India and Pakistan have now been dashed. “And a lot has depended on the relations between the two countries”, Thakur added. “I don’t see any benefit for us if we agree to play a hurriedly-arranged series, we need to realise that the self-respect of Pakistan cricket is paramount above every other consideration”.

To a question whether Aamir could play in the limited over series in New Zealand in January, Khan said yes he was under consideration for the series. The PCB said that they are mulling legal options if the series is indeed cancelled. BCCI functionary Rajiv Shukla had informed that the bilateral cricket series between India and Pakistan will be played in Sri Lanka tentatively from December 15 and also the two sides will play 5 matches (3 ODIs and 2 T20 games). “Nothing has been communicated to us officially”.

Earlier, a PCB spokesman verified that Butt and Asif had been officially granted permission to feature in the National One-Day Cup.

“It will be important that the PCB sits down with the players and explains to them that Amir has served his punishment and that he deserves another chance”. It is already too late to organise the series and we do not have time for the series anyway. And till the government does not give its nod, BCCI will not take any step. “This time, their government does not want us to play so the series will not happen”, he added.

Meanwhile, IPL chairman Rajeev Shukla also insisted that the ball is in government’s court as far as Indo-Pak cricket is concerned.

“The prospects of organising a series now seem very bleak and we stand to lose at least $50 million under the current scenario”. “PCB is the host, and they should take the call about getting the grounds ready, and all that. So we can’t say anything unless the government responds”, he said.