BCCI seeks govt go-ahead on Pak series

New Delhi, November 25

The BCCI has formally sought the clearance of the central government to play Pakistan in Sri Lanka in December, said its secretary Anurag Thakur. The ball is now in the court of the respective governments of India and Pakistan with both the BCCI and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) waiting for political clearance for the series next month.

“I have written a letter to the Foreign Ministry seeking clearance to play with Pakistan in Sri Lanka,” said Thakur.

“According to the agreement, both teams were supposed to play in the UAE or at any other neutral venue if the conditions in Pakistan were not suitable. It is up to Pakistan as to where they want to play. After discussions, both the countries have decided to play in Sri Lanka,” he added.

The PCB, too, is waiting for the government nod. “It is now very much in the hands of the government. I personally don’t know how much time it will take for the clearance. The Prime Minister is travelling at the moment, so he will take a decision soon after coming back. We will just have to wait,” said PCB chairman Shaharyar Khan.

With only a month’s window available after India finish their Test series against South Africa on December 7, the much-awaited series is likely to be confined to three ODIs and two T20 Internationals.

Test series in England?

Meanwhile, sources in Pakistan cricket have indicated that India and Pakistan could play a Test series in England next year. Speculation is rife that the arrangement has been agreed upon during a meeting of BCCI president Shashank Manohar and Shaharyar Khan in Dubai.

“The plan is that Pakistan would tour India in 2017 for a full series, while before that India will play us in two phases. Indications are that the Tests will be held in England in summer,” he said. — PTI