PCB demands justification from BCCI for not playing against Pakistan
"It also has to justify why it thinks there is a security problem playing Pakistan in a mutually agreed neutral venue, like the UAE or Sri Lanka,” Najam Sethi quoted.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has come up with firm questions against their Indian counterparts – the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The questions encircle around India’s refusal to play Pakistan in a bilateral series. These questions have always been around and have only resurfaced now with the Indian board confirming India’s participation in the upcoming edition of the Champions Trophy.
The PCB believes that the BCCI is being two faced at the moment. They do not seem to understand the fact that India is ready to play Pakistan in ICC events but not willing to play them in bilateral tournaments. Now, PCB Executive Committee chairman Najam Sethi has demanded the BCCI to state why they refuse to play Pakistan. Also, they wish to know the refusal of the Indian team to play at neutral venues.
“We would like BCCI to tell us why India has refused to play Pakistan these past couple of years. If the Government of India is refusing BCCI permission, then BCCI has to show us a letter stating this. It also has to justify why it thinks there is a security problem playing Pakistan in a mutually agreed neutral venue, like the UAE or Sri Lanka,” Najam Sethi quoted.
“We need to know what the problem is. India has to talk to us and resolve this,” he added further.
He further added that the PCB has had to face a lot of embarrassment due to BCCI’s fluctuating attitudes towards playing against Pakistan. They now seek a letter from the Indian board to give proper justification for their refusal to play at a neutral venue.
“This caused us to lose a lot of face in Pakistan. Even if the Indian government is hesitant about playing in Pakistan, such a letter would still not explain or justify India’s refusal to play in a neutral third country where security is not an issue,” he noted.
Meanwhile, India’s Union Sports Minister Vijay Goel has said that they will take their time before giving a response to the claims made by Pakistan. Also, he stressed that until the political tensions end, cricket between the two sides is improbable.
“Terrorism and sports can’t go along together. The sporting relations between India and Pakistan can be cordial only after Pakistan stops sponsoring cross-border terrorism. India takes these things very seriously,” Vijay Goel said.
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