BCCI has never refused series with Pakistan, reveals former PCB chairman Tauqir Zia

In a shocking statement from the former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman, Tauqir Zia has said that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has never refused to play a bilateral series against their arch-rivals Pakistan. To note, the contest between India and Pakistan remains one of the most high-voltage rivalries in the cricketing world.

It may be noted that the arch-rivals have not played a bilateral series since 2012-13. The Men in Blue last faced their neighbours during the 2021 T20 World Cup, in which the Men in Green scripted a dominating victory over India by ten wickets. The current PCB chairman Ramiz Raja had recently tabled a four-nation series idea that included Australia, England, India, and Pakistan. However, the proposal as of now is lying in the pipeline.

The problem lies on the government-to-government level: Former PCB chairman

“BCCI has never refused to play against us [Pakistan]. The problem lies on the government-to-government level. Both cricketing boards are currently run by former cricketers who understand the importance of Pakistan-India matches. Sourav Ganguly and Ramiz Raja both want to promote cricket and there is nothing better than seeing a contest between these rivals,” Tauqir said in an interview with Cricket Pakistan.

The former PCB chairman also emphasized the fact that the four-nation series was a good idea, but it is not practically possible. “Although the four-nation series was a great idea there are already so many franchise-model tournaments happening throughout the year. Because of this, I do not think there will be enough room left to gather the four nations in one timeframe,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Indian cricket team will play their first match of the 2022 Men’s T20 World Cup against the arch-rivals Pakistan. This clash will take place at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on October 23, 2022. The Men in Blue after losing their previous encounter against Pakistan during the 2021 T20 World Cup will want to settle the score against their arch-rivals Pakistan.