The first series, originally due to be played in United Arab Emirates in December-January, was comprised of two Tests, five one-day and two Twenty20 matches, but it ran into trouble over strained relations between the two countries since the start of 2015.
Advertisement
While India has to travel to Australia around January 6 or 7, Pakistan is scheduled to leave for New Zealand for a limited-over series on January 7. “Of course, there will be logistical issues and it will be hard to arrange the series in such a short time but we will try to make sure everything will be sorted”, the PCB chief had said on Monday.
The two countries, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in 2014 that Pakistan would host their next series after India had staged their previous two meetings (2007 and 2012). Sri Lanka emerged as the host for the series between arch-rivals after India refused to play in UAE.
But, as of now, there is no definitive indication from the Indian government on the matter, though many have already concluded that the series is not happening. “The PCB has put SLC on standby because we feel that series will happen and that is the factual ground position”.
Thakur likewise insisted that rubbing shoulders with the greats of Indian cricket will certainly open a new world for the young Afghan players. “We haven’t heard anything officially from the PCB chairman”.
On being inquired about the time frame for worldwide matches to be hosted on this ground, Thakur stated, “Look ICC has this treatment that whichever stadium has to have global matches, a match referee needs to examine the location and if it fits the expense for an ICC place then it gets authorization for it”. And till the government does not give its nod, BCCI will not take any step. “Not only they will play their matches here but will also get added support like a chance to get help from top coaches and a chance to rub shoulders with India’s best cricketer’s”.
Advertisement
“We’re in constant touch with SLC regarding the series”, said the official. The honorary secretary BCCI had written to the Ministry of External Affairs and so far they haven’t responded. “I think it’s a no from the Indian government since there was no talk of the series”, he said.
