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'For an Indo-Pak series to take place now, the BCCI has to propose'

December 18, 2015 09:10 IST

Shahid Afridi of Pakistan with Mahendra Singh Dhoni of India

IMAGE: Shahid Afridi of Pakistan with Mahendra Singh Dhoni of India. Photograph: Graham Crouch/Getty Images

There's still a lot time left before a bilateral series between India and Pakistan materializes.

While there's no chance of an Indo-Pak series this month, especially considering the fact that both Pakistan and India will be touring New Zealand and Australia respectively in early January, the future doesn't look very bright either. 

When asked about the series taking place at a later date, PCB chief Shaharyar Khan was non-committal.

"If you see the situation as of now, we can't do it. If the series has to take place at a later date, then BCCI has to propose it. We have waited enough," he said.

Khan, who insists he is still awaiting BCCI's written reply on the proposed series later this month besides hoping that the
Indian government gives green light to the resumption of cricketing ties, was also clueless when asked what if the Indian government doesn't reciprocate Pakistan government's decision and rejects the series?

"Let them say it first. I don't want to jump the gun. The only thing I can expect as of today is that the Government of India gives the permission for the series and then we will see what happens," said the former diplomat. 

On the role played by former ECB chief Giles Clarke in the revival of Indo-Pak cricket, Shaharyar said: "His involvement has helped a lot. I know he has tried very hard. He wants the series to happen. He knows it is important for cricket."

According to ICC's Future Tours Program (FTP), India and Pakistan are supposed to play six series between 2015 and 2023 with four to be hosted by Pakistan.

Pakistan and India have not played a full bilateral series since 2007 in the aftermath of 2008 terrorist attacks in Mumbai. Pakistan, however, had toured India for a short ODI series in 2012.

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