Shafaqna Pakistan: A Pakistan-India cricket series is “on the cards” and a final decision regarding it is expected to be taken during an upcoming International Cricket Council meeting, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said on Wednesday.
According to a report published in Arab News, the two Asian cricketing giants have not played any bilateral series since 2013 as relations between the countries have deteriorated resulting in a complete halt of one-on-one series. The two nations have not met in a bilateral Test series since the 2007-08 season. Their teams have, however, competed in ICC events and the Asia Cup.
The ICC meeting is scheduled to take place in Dubai this month, where the Indian cricket board is expected to announce its decision. The Indian board is also required to inform the ICC about visa and security arrangements for Pakistani players, spectators and journalists for the upcoming T20 World Cup that is scheduled to take place in India later this year.
“The delegations of both sides (Pakistan and India) will take part in the ICC meeting, and a breakthrough is definitely expected,” PCB media manager Shakeel Khan said.
“We have always been ready to play bilateral matches with India, but the Indian side has always created hurdles,” he said.
Khan added that Pakistani team has already played twice in India “so this time Indian team has to come to Pakistan for the matches.”
Cricket plays a vital role in bridging the diplomatic gap between Islamabad and New Delhi. Efforts to resume bilateral matches have, however, failed to yield the desired results in the recent past.
Given a recent thaw in relations after years of hostility, the PCB is hopeful to resume bilateral matches, but is now waiting for its Indian counterpart’s response.
“This is up to the Indian side totally as to what proposals and conditions they float during the ICC meeting, and if they really want to resume the cricketing ties,” Khan said.
Dunya News