PCB insists that it host India in an international series despite the ECB’s suggestion to offer a neutral stadium for a Test series with the two arch-rivals.
It was during Pakistan’s visit to India in 2012-13, when they last met in in a bilateral series. In the years since, two teams have only played each other at ICC occasions due to political divergences between the two countries.
To ease tensions that exist between India as well as Pakistan, ECB recently offered to host the big tournament. Although BCCI hasn’t responded in a formal manner to the suggestion, PCB seems to have declined the idea. PCB insists on hosting the series, as a report states, “Now it is the Indian cricket team’s turn to visit Pakistan and to not only play a Test series but also a white-ball series.”
The PCB has a similar stance to the an offer from the ECB, The News quoted sources who said “We have not thought about any other option as Pakistan is the next country to host the tournament. We would like India to move across the frontier to play Test and white ball games in Pakistan. We would like India to keep its word on the promise..”
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PCB has decided to not allow political pressure to stop these two sides from collaborating on the field, as cricket is able to connect nations.
The PCB has always resisted any influence from the government in sports, and believes that matters pertaining to cricket must be discussed between both boards. Absolutely, we would like the quick return of cricket relations between these two countries to benefit international cricket.
Sources also disproved notion of talks with the boards on neutral venues, stating, “There has been no discussion of a similar proposal. The cricketing heads of both boards have never thought of hosting the bilateral series at neutral grounds. We believe it’s the right of us to hold this time. When the chance arises, Pakistan will host the series prior to a return tour.”
Although PCB is optimistic regarding India visiting Pakistan in the near future, BCCI is still reluctant due to pressure emanating from the ruling BJP government.
