Pakistan-India exploring options to resume cricket ties

MADIHA AZHAR

KARACHI: Pakistan and India may work on a money-sharing agreement to resume cricket between the nations at a neutral venue.

Pakistani Foreign Secretary Jalil Abbas Jilani presented this proposal to his Indian counterpart Ranjan Mithai. They announced that “Governments shall not come in the way of cricket boards and it is on them to arrive at an agreement on the matter.”

India is not ready to send its team to Pakistan due to security concerns while Pakistan is also reluctant to tour India as all revenue generated by this high profile series would go to the host nation.

Jilani said, “Playing at a neutral venue seems most logical option and is in both countries’ interests.”

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Boards of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) would have to take the lead to decide on money-sharing agreement for resuming cricket in the region.

India and Pakistan have not played any bilateral series since 2007. Mumbai attacks in 2008 further suspended cricket ties between the two nations.

BCCI had initially refused to hold any series with Pakistan but recent developments such as BCCI’s invitation to PCB Chairman Zaka Ashraf for Indian Premiere League (IPL) final and participation of Sialkot Stallions in the upcoming CL T20 served as ice breakers.

Both boards are holding talks and a short Indo-Pak series may be held by the end of this year.