Summary Earlier, BCCI told PCB that a letter has been sent to govt, seeking revival of cricket with Pakistan
MUMBAI (Web Desk) – The Indian Home Minister on Tuesday clarified that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has not asked for the approval on holding Indo-Pak cricket series.
According to initial details, the minister alleged BCCI of blaming BJP for disrupting already scheduled cricket series with Pakistan. He said that the Indian government also wants strong ties with Pakistan however, the board has not approached government officials in this regard.
Earlier, BCCI told the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) that a letter has been forwarded to government for the permission on holding Indo-Pakistan cricket series comprising five one-day and two Twenty20 internationals after Diwali, Indian Express reported.
Talking to media, BCCI Chief Manohar stated that the Indian government has all the authority to decide the fate of Indo-Pakistan series. He said that we cannot play series with Pakistan without the consent of incumbent government.
“We want cricketing ties to happen, we don’t want politics to hamper cricket. We will be going with a few proposals. One, where we can have five ODIs and two T20s. In the second proposal, we can have three ODIs and two T20s.
All these games will be played in those parts of the country where we feel there will be no disturbance from political parties,” Indian newspaper published.
Under the MoU between both boards, India and Pakistan are to play multiple bilateral series between 2015 and 2023. Four of these series will be hosted by Pakistan. It will comprise six tours which include 14 Tests, 30 ODIs and 12 T20s. Pakistan last toured India in 2012-13.
Further, shortly before scheduled meeting of PCB chief Shahryar Khan and new BCCI President Shashank Manohar, some 50 members of the Shiv Sena Hindu militant outfit stormed the board’s headquarters at Wankhede stadium in Mumbai.
Shiv Sena fanatics were holding placard bearing slogan “Shaharyar Khan Go Back”and threatened that they would not allow cricket series between Pakistan and India.
Police also apprehended around 20 protestors and tightened security at the site.
The extremists carried saffron flags symbolic of Hinduism and black flags to condemn resumption of Indo-Pak cricketing ties, shouting anti-Pakistan slogans.
The talks were held in New Delhi the very next day to Indian extremists protest, but no significant decision was taken that left PCB chief disappointed.
Addressing a media conference after meeting Indian Premier League (IPL) chief Rajiv Shukla, he said PCB tried its very best for the cricket series but the efforts have to be mutual. He said he is extremely disappointed of the attitude of the Indian board.
The cricket series between India and Pakistan was scheduled to take place in December but all hopes have now been shattered, he said, adding that more meetings with the BCCI officials are not expected.
