The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has made it clear that pending matters with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) need to be addressed first, before they approach the Union Government to seek permission for the proposed bilateral series in December.
“Let talks at some level commence between the two countries. Then only the two boards can talk but not before addressing the pending matters. The final call is with the Union Government," BCCI Secretary Anurag Thakur said.
Thakur also condemned members of the Shiv Sena for storming the BCCI office in Mumbai, ahead of the meeting between BCCI president Shashank Manohar and PCB chief Shahryar Khan, on Monday. “In a democracy, you can protest. You can do it on the streets but you can’t barge into anyone’s office, home or headquarters,” he said.
Explaining the reason behind the PCB chief’s visit, Thakur added, “Mr. Khan wanted to meet the new BCCI president to discuss issues and that’s why the meeting was in Mumbai.”
The BJP MP from Himachal Pradesh ruled out the chance of any “official or unofficial meeting between the BCCI and the PCB in New Delhi.”
Cash-strapped PCB want to play against India to and are even willing to play in a neutral venue. The BCCI, however, will look to play the host, but only after a green signal from the Union Government. “In the present situation, you cannot go to Pakistan and play cricket there,” said.
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