Chandigarh: Amid intense speculation over the fate of the proposed India-Pakistan series, the BCCI on Thursday indicated that a second round of talks between the two boards could take place soon to work out the modalities for resumption of bilateral cricketing ties. Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Shaharyar Khan was in India to press for resumption of India-Pakistan cricket ties.
In a joint press statement with BCCI president Jagmohan Dalmiya in Kolkata, Shaharyar proposed a series comprising three Tests, five ODIs and two T20s in the UAE this December but the BCCI has not given any clear statement yet on the proposed series or venue.
“Possibility is that in the coming few days or weeks, a second round of talks will take place,” BCCI secretary Anurag Thakur said. Thakur added that the talks were in early stages and that nothing has been decided yet. “I want to say only this, that talks between boards of the two countries have taken place, which are at an early stage. And when the talks take place, you limit the talk to just cricket.
“What the thinking is at the government level, whether or not they want (the series to take place), on that no talk has taken place,” Thakur clarified.
He also said that “there are many things between the boards that need to be discussed. PCB chairman Shaharyar Khan who met Dalmiya and me gave us his views.” Thakur said that according to the ICC’s Future Tours Programme, the series was to be hosted by Pakistan in December.
“Whether it will take place or not, and if it happens, then in which country will it take place since the situation in Pakistan is not conducive, and if the series will be held then how many matches are to be played, these are some things and other issues on which talks are going on,” he said.
It is learnt that some top BCCI officials are keen to have the series in India and want the board to explore that possibility with the PCB. Asked if there was a likelihood that India might host Pakistan, Thakur said, “it is now the turn of Pakistan to host us”.
