We are expecting response from BCCI on proposed series: PCB

Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Shaharyar Khan today said that he’s still waiting for his Indian counterpart to contact him regarding the proposed bilateral series in the UAE in December.

“We are expecting some response from the Indian Board today or tomorrow after their Annual General Body Meeting,” Khan said.

He said that the ball was now in the court of the BCCI and its president Shashank Manohar will now contact him regarding the matter.

“We did our best, now it is in their hands. But as time runs out, obviously chances of the series being held are very slim,” he said.

“We have made it clear we want to play the series as per the memorandum of understanding signed with the BCCI. The Indian Board last told us they were waiting for clearance from their government which was busy in the elections. Let us see what happens now,” he added.

Khan said the Indian Board had conveyed to the PCB that they were ready to play the series but were waiting for clearance from the government.

“I know there are lot of people even in India who want the series to happen but we have done our part now I would like the BCCI President Shashank Manohar to contact me himself,” Khan said.

The PCB chief also said that the ouster of Narayanaswami Srinivasan as the International Cricket Council Chairman would have no bearing on the MOU signed between the two Boards.

“Srinivasan also signed on the MOU between the Pakistan and Indian Boards as he was ICC chief but even if he is no longer there the MOU has to be honoured by India,” Khan added.

He said the more time the Indian Board takes to convey a final decision on the series the more it becomes difficult for Pakistan.

“One thing is clear if their government does not allow them to play the series, then I don’t think our government would encourage us to go to India for any event,” Khan, a former diplomat, said.