If there is any clash in cricket that has always attracted attention from the crowd, then it is India vs Pakistan. But now this epic clash can only be seen in ICC tournaments as political unrest between the two neighboring nations has ruled out the bilateral series possibilities. Also safety concern of the players in both the nations being the main issue. Though people have thought sports could be the medium through which things could be settled it has worsened over the years.
Pakistan are not hosting a lot many International matches these days.
The recent fume and comments oF Afridi about Kashmir and Hasan Ali’s behavior in the Wagha border have made BCCI startled. Pakistan Cricket Board has times made chances to start the bilateral series but BCCI has denied. On context to that, BCCI official said that the Pakistani Players must first learn to respect India and then think of playing a series.
PCB is very eager to start the series if not in both the nations but on any neutral venue like UAE. But BCCI is still in denial pertaining to government clearance issues stating this might create problems. ICC has made a meeting scheduled in Kolkata and PCB Chairman Najam Sethi is there to talk out on terms.
“It is a bit much for Najam to say this when the Patron in Chief of the PCB is the sitting Prime Minister of Pakistan. I would also request Najam to sternly deal with the issue of the recent misbehaviour of the Pakistani cricketer in showing disrespect towards India as a country and other indiscriminate actions and words by former cricketers that do nothing to promote the right atmosphere for cricket. I do hope they at least understand the concept of a ‘gentleman’,” said a senior BCCI official to CricketNext.
BCCI though has said that it is not any personal problem to be in denial but keeping in mind the government related laws and issues.
“In an ideal world, we would host Pakistan in India and visit Pakistan to play there. Our willingness thus exceeds the willingness of PCB it appears when we talk only of willingness. However, firstly Najam must understand that BCCI does not decide the policies of the government of India just the way PCB does not decide the policies of the government of Pakistan. We are an Indian organisation that is bound by the laws of India and we have to comply with them, it is not a card for us but a legal necessity. It may be optional to follow the law in Pakistan, but in India it is mandatory.” the official concluded.
