NEW DELHI- Pakistan Cricket Board chief Najam Sethi feels that resumptionof bilateral Indo-Pak cricketing ties is solely dependant on India’s will.
The prevailing socio-political relations between the two neighbouringnations and security situations has brought bilateral series to a grindinghalt.
The BCCI can only go ahead and play a bilateral series only if the Centralgovernment permits. Right now, the two countries only play in multi-teamevents like 50-over World Cup, Champions Trophy, World T20 or Asia Cup.
“Firstly, the two sides need to play each other for the sake of the peopleof the sub-continent. Secondly, the ball is in the BCCI’s court. That’s it.We hope sooner than later better sense will prevail and the two sides canget back to playing good cricket again,” Sethi told PTI during aninteraction.
“My sense is that all this is a melting pot and at some stage or the other,we will have to have a good resolution.”
The PCB has sought USD 70 million in compensation claim against India forrefusing to play a bilateral series, violating a 2014 memorandum ofunderstanding under which the two were to play six bilateral series between2015 and 2023.
A three-member ICC panel will hear the claim in October.
“I’m not at liberty to discuss the issue as per orders of the tribunal.There’s going to be no comments on that issue. Those are the orders of thetribunal.”
As per the newly drafted FTP, India have slots for Pakistan series, but itwon’t happen till the clearance comes from the Indian government.
“Our position is that we are okay with what’s been allocated right now butthis is subject to the decision of the tribunal. Because, obviously it’s acase that’s still pending and our currently is subject to whateverresolution that finally finds.
“See, right now India has not slotted Pakistan into any of the matches. Ourposition is that whatever we sign right now is going to be subject to thedecision of the tribunal. If the tribunal holds in our favour then the FTPwill have to be changed to accordingly.”
The PCB chairman also felt that media should play a proactive role inresumption of cricket between the two countries as there has been just onebilateral tour since 2008, when Pakistan visited India to play twoTwenty20s and three ODIs in December 2012 and January 2013.
“I’m just surprised that there’s not sufficient media pressure here inIndia for resumption of cricketing ties between India and Pakistan. I amsure the people of the two countries want to see cricket between the twocountries. There’s a lot of goodwill on both sides so let’s hope that theissue can be resolved in the interest of the fans. There’s no rough weatherbetween the two Boards. There’s no problem at all,” Sethi said in anassuring tone.