NEW DELHI – The Board Of Control For Cricket In India (BCCI) has requestedthe Union government to formally convey its position with regards toIndia-Pakistan bilateral cricket series, which is on hold since 2012 due topolitical tension between the two neighbours.
The BCCI has repeatedly clarified its stance that it won’t be able toengage in bilateral contests unless the government gives clearance.
It is understood that the richest cricket board wants a formalcommunication before they head to ICC Disputes Resolution Forum where theyare set to counter PCB’s compensation claim of USD 70 million for nothonouring the 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 in-bound or out-bound tours,” BCCI recentlywrote to the ministry.
When asked about the latest e-mail, a senior BCCI official told PTI: “Theseare routine communications on part of BCCI. It is our duty to seekpermission from the government with regards to bilateral series. Our job isto ask and it’s up to the government. We understand that bilateral seriesin prevailing circumstances is very difficult. But if we get a reply fromthe government in ‘black and white’, it will help us.”
PCB had appealed to ICC’s Dispute Resolution Committee, accusing the BCCIof not honouring the Future Tours & Programme (FTP) commitment, which alsorequired them to play at least two away series against Pakistan on aneutral venue like the UAE.
“The International Cricket Council today 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.