‘Can’t see India-Pakistan matches in the near future’
MUMBAI: Former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Shaharyar Khan has admitted that despite efforts he doesn’t see an India-Pakistan bilateral series happening in the near future given the complicated political scenario.
The Indian government has clearly stated it wouldn’t allow the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to go ahead with any bilateral cricketing ties with the neighbours. The two sides, however, do meet in ICC tournaments such as the World Cup and the Champions Trophy.
“The real reason behind the absence of India and Pakistan bilateral series is political and has nothing to do with either the PCB or the BCCI. In the current political climate, I really do not see any way in the near future that both teams will be able to play each other,” Shaharyar was quoted as saying by pakpassion.net.
“The fact of the matter is that we have always been willing to play India anywhere but it’s been the Government of India who have forced the BCCI to refuse to play us and there is not much we can do about that. I don’t see a bilateral series between India and Pakistan anytime in the near future,” he added.
‘AFGHAN TEST DEBUT VERSUS INDIA SAD’
Khan has also expressed disappointment over Afghanistan agreeing to play their inaugural Test match against India. “To be honest, I am not aggrieved but a little sad after hearing this news as it should have been Pakistan who played the first Test match with Afghanistan which would have been a historic occasion for both countries. In reality, this should have been the case and we had arranged for that, but their board took a very political and an unnecessarily aggressive line towards Pakistan which is completely uncalled for,” he said.