The India and Pakistan boards, which have signed an MoU to resume their cricketing ties, await a reply from the authorities with hope and optimism.
The visit by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief, Shahryar Khan, seeking the Board’s assistance in reviving bi-lateral contests, has led to widespread speculation concerning the Indian government’s approval.
“Too early to say anything and too early to expect anything. But, we are optimistic,” said Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) president Jagmohan Dalmiya from Kolkata. Dalmiya and Shahryar, who are keen to revive one of the biggest rivalries in the game, have set December as the prospective time.
India is expected to play three Tests, five ODIs and two T20s in the UAE, which serves as Pakistan’s home venue. The last bi-lateral series between the two nations was in 2011 when India hosted Pakistan for a three-match ODI series.
According to sources, the Board had not even made a formal request to the Sports Ministry for its approval to visit the UAE for the proposed series against Pakistan.
“Too early for the Board to make this application because the series, if it happens, is still seven months away. How can the government give its clearance for such a tour more than six months in advance? The two Boards are keen to have a Test series but it all depends on government approval,” said a Board official.
The process involves a request from the Board to the Sports Ministry which, in turn, will seek the approval of various ministries, notably External Affairs and Home, before giving its sanction. Even though Shahryar talks passionately of an India-Pakistan contest as a grand sporting spectacle, the Indian officials are aware of the difficulties in reviving ties.
The PCB chief, in the past one year, had met his Indian counterpart a couple of times and appealed for India to play Pakistan at a neutral venue. He has also not been averse to India sending its junior team to Pakistan as a step in this direction. “Let us play Test cricket,” he said during one of his recent visits.
The MoU between India and Pakistan does not guarantee revival of cricket ties, but as Dalmiya said, “we have to remain optimistic. We are hopeful of getting the government’s permission.”
