India-Pakistan matches have always been one of the most-anticipated in cricket history, as they have produced some thrilling moments, irrespective of the format, T20, ODI or Test cricket.
Hence, there is huge excitement amongst cricket fans across the border when it was said that India will play Pakistan in December in the UAE a series comprising three Tests, five ODIs and two T20s.
But the series has not been finalised, with issues such as broadcasting rights creating a major hurdle. Ten Sports is the official broadcaster for Pakistan's 'home' matches and BCCI may not be eager to approve the PCB-Ten Sports broadcasting deal.
Several reports said there was a possibility of Pakistan coming to India for the series as well, which has been rubbished of late by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), saying as per the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with BCCI, the series will take place in the UAE.
To clarify the matter, the PCB released a statement on Sunday.
"There is speculation in the Indian press suggesting that PCB is agreeable to touring India in December in lieu of the home series in UAE. PCB would like to clarify that PCB remains committed to the MOU signed with BCCI in which India has agreed to play the first Pak- India series in UAE this December."
The PCB statement added: "The MoU specifically states that this series would be played in UAE or a mutually agreed venue. No alternative venue has been proposed by BCCI nor has this issue been raised with PCB chairman Shaharyar Khan or by BCCI president Jagmohan Dalimiya and secretary Anurag Thakur during his recent discussions in India."
Even if the BCCI agree to all the terms and conditions, the final call will be taken by the government of India.
India and Pakistan last played a bilateral series in 2012-13 in India.
Since India's tour to Pakistan in 2006, the men in blue have not played a full series in Pakistan.
