Union Sports Minister Vijay Goel has categorically mentioned that India cannot indulge in a bilateral cricket series with Pakistan with terror attacks remaining almost an everyday affair across the border.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) are due to meet the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) in Dubai to work a way out, later on Monday May 29. The two nations signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to take part in six bilateral series between 2015 and 2012.
India Pakistan can't play bilateral series till the terror from Pakistan remains: Union Minister Vijay Goel on BCCI-PCB meet in Dubai. pic.twitter.com/blkHNFT8rW
— ANI (@ANI_news) May 29, 2017
Not one, however, has seen the light of the day.
"Terrorism and sports cannot go hand in hand," remained the statement from Goel.
India and Pakistan indulged in a bilateral cricket series for the last time in 2012-13. They played two T20Is and three ODIs in India. The hosts were tipped to win the series, but unfortunately the result stood at 1-1 in the T20Is and 1-2 in the ODIs.
BCCI waiting for Indian govt's response for bilateral series
The Indian cricket board's acting secretary Amitabh Chaudhary has mentioned that they can still indulge in the bilateral cricket series with Pakistan, but the decision lies on the Indian government's hand.
"We are not averse to a bilateral series with Pakistan. But everything depends on whether the government gives the clearance," said Chaudhary. "The series will not be possible without approval from the government," he added.
It needs to be seen what remains the outcome from Monday's meeting in Dubai. A three-member delegation of the PCB -- Shahryar Khan, Subhan Ahmad and Najam Sethi -- will be attending.
