Sports Minister Vijay Goel on Monday made it clear that the government will not allow any bilateral cricket between India and Pakistan till the time “cross-border terrorism” does not stop.
“BCCI should speak to the government before giving any proposal to Pakistan. I have made it clear that bilateral cricket with Pakistan is not possible till the time there is cross-border terror. We have, however, no say on multilateral events (ICC tournaments),” Goel told reporters.
Inconclusive meeting
In view of the above statement, the meeting between top BCCI and PCB officials in Dubai ended without any conclusive outcome. BCCI joint-secretary Amitabh Chaudhary, CEO Rahul Johri and GM (Cricket Operations) M.V. Sridhar had met their Pakistani counterparts to discuss pressing issues, including the $60 million compensation demanded by the PCB.
“The delegations of the BCCI and PCB met in Dubai today [Monday] and shared their stated positions. The meeting was held in a cordial atmosphere and its outcome will be shared with the members of their respective boards,” a BCCI release stated.
It is learnt that BCCI is unlikely to pay any damages as its stand has always been clear that government clearance is paramount when it comes to playing Pakistan. In fact, BCCI has asked PCB to withdraw compensation claim.
