Cricket series unlikely till Pak stops terrorism: Sushma Swaraj

NEWDELHI: External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj has hinted that any bilateral cricket series between India and Pakistan is unlikely till Pakistan stops terrorism and cross-border firing.

Swaraj said at a parliament consultative committee meeting on external affairs.

Responding to a query on India-pakistan cricket series at a neutral venue, Swaraj hinted that it seemed unlikely until Pakistan stopped cross-border terrorism and firing, a member present at the meeting said.

She clarified that terrorism and cricket can’t go hand in hand, the member added.

India and Pakistan last played a bilateral series in 2012-13, when the hosted their neighbours for three ODIS and two T20s.

The two teams have not played in a Test series since 2007-08, when Pakistan toured India. India won the three-test series 1-0.

In the last five years, the teams have met only in ICC tournaments. India beat Pakistan int he group stage of the 2015 World Cup in Australia, going on to reach the semifinals. India, as hosts of the 2016 World T20, defeated Pakistan in a crucial group game with Virat Kohli scoring a brilliant, unbeaten 55.

The teams last met in the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy. India defeated Pakistan in the group stage, but the defending champions were upstaged in the final. Pakistan cricket bosses have repeatedly complained about India not playing bilateral games despite an agreement for multiple series.

INDIA AND PAKISTAN LAST PLAYED A BILATERAL SERIES IN 201213, WHEN INDIA WERE HOSTS FOR THREE ODIS AND TWO T20S.