Lahore, October 23: PCB chairman Ijaz Butt was sure that strained political relations between Pakistan and India won’t allow any matches to happen in either of the countries, and hopes to revive the cricketing activities by playing at neutral venues.
According to ‘The Dawn’, Butt will fly to India on October 28, but didn’t disclose the purpose of the visit, asserting that the agenda was confidential.
However, the PCB chairman is likely to discuss with the BCCI officials about holding the series between Pakistan and India at neutral venues, most probably in England.
The PCB desperately is in need of revival of cricket activities between the two neighbowurs as it has to earn 65 per cent amount of the media rights, owing to the contract it had signed with a Dubai-based TV channel for the next four years, through the series against India.
Pakistan cricket was badly hit following the recent terror attacks in the country, leaving no team visiting the nation citing security concerns.
Furthermore, organising competitions at neutral venues is also costing the PCB extra financial burden and only a series against arch-rivals India could make it financially profitable.
On Pakistan continuing with Intikhab Alam as team coach, Butt stated that until he and Younis Khan were satisfied with performance of the Intikhab, he would continue his job.
Butt, also the president of Asian Cricket Council (ACC), further hinted that the next Asia Cup tournament might be held in China, since their association was showing great interest in this regard.
—–Agencies