The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has been quite clear in its approach regarding the future of India-Pakistan cricket series in December as it is unwilling to resume bilaterial ties until diplomatic relations between the two neighbours improve.
But that has not stopped the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) from writing a letter to the BCCI inquiring the fate of the series. PCB chairman Shaharyar Khan feels that politics should be kept apart from the gentleman's game and hopes that the BCCI honours the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the two boards.
As per the MoU between the BCCI and the PCB, India and Pakistan are expected to play six series in a period of eight years, which includes the proposed series in December.
"I have written a letter to Mr Thakur, in the main saying that cricket and politics should be kept apart," AFP quoted Khan as saying.
"I am positive that the BCCI shall be able to convince the Indian government that it ought to honour its MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) with the PCB."
Cricket fans across both the sides of the border were excited with the prospect of a potential India vs Pakistan clash, but the series had run into problems ever since the news broke out. The BCCI has been reluctant on Ten Sports being the series broadcaster, but the major obstacle as of now has been the political tensions between the two states.
The Gurdaspur terror attack in July seems to be the biggest hurdle to the series, as it led to increased tensions on both sides of the border.
But the PCB continues to ask the BCCI to keep cricket and politics apart as the sport could help calm down tensions.
"While relations between Pakistan and India have seen its share of ups and downs, cricket should be kept out of it," Khan says in his letter.
Even if the BCCI agrees to the wishes of the PCB, it will have to seek permission from the government of India. And the government does not look keen on the series at all given the cancellation of NSA-level talks in the eleventh hour last month.
