New Delhi: Even as Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) gears up to meet Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) in Dubai later in the day to discuss future of India-Pakistan cricket, sports minister Vijay Goel on Monday said under the current political climate, no cricketing ties can be maintained with neighbouring Pakistan.
“The India-Pakistan series is going to be problematic and complicated because of the cross-border terrorism. As long as that persists, no bilateral series or sporting ties can be maintained or possible,” Goel told media on Monday.
“In terms of multi-national sports, we don’t have control on that, and they will be treated differently,” he added when asked about other sports.
Meanwhile, acting BCCI Secretary, Amitabh Chaudhary said a bilateral series with Pakistan is possible if the government gives the go-ahead.
“We are not averse to a bilateral series with Pakistan. But everything depends on whether the government gives the clearance,” Chaudhary told a news channel. “The series will not be possible without approval from the government,” he added.
PCB Chairman Shaharyar Khan, Najam Sethi and chief operating officer, Subhan Ahmad will represent Pakistan at the meeting which will be attended by BCCI officials and a member of the CoA.
The PCB chairman had said he would discuss the matter once again with the Indian cricket board officials during the June 4 ICC Champions Trophy match between the two at Edgbaston, according to a media report.
PCB has sent a notice of intent to the BCCI claiming compensation of around USD 69.4 million for India not honouring the MOU signed between the two boards in 2014 to play six bilateral series between 2015 and 2023. Pakistan under the MOU is supposed to host four of the series.
