Indo-Pak bilateral series in Indian government's court: PCB

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) today said that the scheduled bilateral series with India in the UAE in December this year solely depends on the clearnce from the Indian government.
"During the recent meeting with the Indian board (BCCI) officials in Dubai they assured us that they were still committed to the MoU they signed with us last year to play a total of six series until 2022," PCB chief Shaharyar Khan told a press conference in Lahore.
"But they have said they will have to get permission from their new government to play the series," Khan said.
"We have assured them off our full cooperation in this regard as we believe politics and sports should be kept apart," the former career diplomat added.

He also made it clear that Pakistan would also seek the Indian government's permission and assistance in making the series possible.
"It is a very important series for us from every point of view and it will help us boost our financial position. We will do our best including talking to our government to ensure that the Indian board is also allowed to confirm the series," he stated.

Khan also explained Pakistan's apparently tough posture on touring Bangladesh in April-May only if the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) agrees to share 50 per cent of the revenues with them and also committed to sending their under-19 and A teams to Pakistan.

"We have made our demands because Bangladesh was to tour Pakistan in 2012 but didn't come so technically it is our turn to play hosts. That is why we have informed the Bangladesh board officials off our stance," he said.
"If they want to host the next series they must share some revenues with us because we have still to be compensated for the 2012 series which was cancelled by them," the PCB chief said.
He said that Pakistan had also informed the ICC executive board members off the steps they had to ensure early resumption of international cricket in Pakistan.

"We are also going to hold a meeting with all ambassadors of the cricket playing nations in Islamabad to give them a full briefing on the security measures we will adopt for touring teams," Khan said.
"Our aim is to provide the best security cover for touring teams and we want to reduce any travelling time by also providing them five star accommodation and facilities at the national stadium itself," he stated.