Ehsan Mani terms BCCI's stance on Indo-Pak bilateral series as ‘hypocrisy’

Newly elected Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ehsan Mani has termed India’s and the BCCI’s stance on playing cricket with Pakistan as “hypocrisy”. Mani, who replaced Najam Sethi as PCB chief in September this year, said that it was the “will of the people” that cricket and bilateral series between India and Pakistan are resumed.

At present, India and Pakistan don’t play bilateral series due to political tensions between the two countries. The arch-rivals only meet during the ICC events, such as the World Cup or the World T20, and in the Asia Cup. In September this year, India played Pakistan twice in three days during the Asia Cup – the Men in Blue were victorious on both occasions.

With the two teams not engaging in bilateral series, the PCB has on several occasions cried foul as the BCCI have reportedly failed to compensate them for cancelling tournaments. However, the Indian board has maintained its stance and the matter between the two boards remains unresolved. India and Pakistan have not played a bilateral series in any format since January 2013.

Cricket best way to improve Indo-Pak relations

In an interview with ESPNcricinfo, Ehsan Mani said, “The main thing is that we play cricket against each other. When we play cricket, especially in our countries – when we go to India or when they come here – helps in increasing people-to-people contact. Indian fans come to Pakistan. Lakhs of fans have come to Pakistan from India and everyone goes back happy.”

“There’s no better way to improve the relations between countries than having sporting contacts, cultural contacts. For me, that is far more important than any amount of money that comes into the game,” he added.

The PCB chief also made it clear that “we are not going to beg them” to play with Pakistan. “It’s good for the game if India and Pakistan play each other but it will be on equal terms.”

When asked if he will approach the International Cricket Council to resolve the issues with the BCCI – a step his predecessor had taken – Mani said he prefers that the two boards get together and come to a unanimous decision. At the moment, there is no certainty as to when the two teams are likely to play a bilateral series again. India and Pakistan will, however, meet in the ICC World Cup next year in England.

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