BCCI asks Indian govt to clarify policy for Pak-India series

The Board of Control for Cricket (BCCI) has requested the Indian government to formally convey its position with regards to India-Pakistan bilateral cricket series. Both the countries last played a bilateral series in 2012-13.

The BCCI has repeatedly clarified its stance that it will not be able to engage in bilateral contests unless the government gives clearance, reported Times of India.

The cricket regulatory authority wants a formal communication before approaching the International Cricket Council (ICC) Disputes Resolution Forum. There it will have to counter Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) compensation claim of $70 million for not honouring the Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2014.

"The BCCI would be grateful if you could formally convey the policy/position of the Government of India on the need or requirement of prior clearance from the government for the Indian cricket team to play the Pakistan cricket in inbound or outbound tours," the Indian cricket board wrote to the relevant ministry.

PCB had appealed to ICC's Dispute Resolution Committee, accusing the BCCI of not honouring the Future Tours and Programme (FTP) commitment, which requires the latter to play at least two away-series against Pakistan at a neutral venue.