NEW DELHI – The Board of Control for Cricket (BCCI) has requested theIndian government on Monday to formally convey its position with regards toIndia-Pakistan bilateral cricket series.
The series has been on hold since 2012 due to political tension between thetwo neighbours.
The BCCI has repeatedly clarified its stance that it will not be able toengage in bilateral contests unless the government gives clearance,reported *Times of India*.
The cricket board reportedly wants a formal communication beforeapproaching the International Cricket Council (ICC) Disputes ResolutionForum where it will have to counter Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB)compensation claim of $70 million for not honouring the Memorandum ofUnderstanding (MoU), signed in 2014.
“The BCCI would be grateful if you could formally convey thepolicy/position of the Government of India on the need or requirement ofprior clearance from the Government of India for the Indian cricket team toplay the Pakistan cricket in inbound or outbound tours,” the Indian cricketboard wrote to the relevant ministry.
PCB had appealed to ICC’s Dispute Resolution Committee, accusing the BCCIof not honouring the Future Tours & Programme (FTP) commitment, whichrequires the latter to play at least two away-series against Pakistan on aneutral venue.
“The International Cricket Council on Monday confirmed that the Hon MichaelBeloff QC will chair the Dispute Panel in the matter of proceedings betweenthe Pakistan Cricket Board and the Board of Control for Cricket in India,”ICC had then said in a release.