Government’s delay to decide the fate of Indo-Pak series frustrates Rajeev Shukla

New Delhi: Indian Premier League (IPL) chairman Rajeev Shukla on Wednesday admitted that Indian government has wasted a lot of time in taking a concrete decision about the stalled bilateral series against Pakistan, which is slated to be held this month. Shukla said that he was not sure of the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) decision on the series. 

 

“It has been around 15-20 days since the BCCI have send a letter to the External Affair Ministry. I think government should reply in yes or no. Now, there is no time left. Indian cricketers will not be available after December 30 as they are touring to Australia from January 5. 

 

“So, I don’t think Pakistan will be in a position to host a series in Sri Lanka. I don’t even sure what will be Pakistan’s response on the series if they get a reply from the Indian government. Although there is a delay, government should at least give a reply,” BCCI senior official Shukla told media. 

 

Earlier on Monday, PCB chief Shaharyar Khan said they had extended deadline for BCCI to take a final call on the series. 

“I have asked (England and Wales Cricket Board president) Giles Clarke to bring an answer from India. He is going to call me in the evening to tell me the final reply from the Indians,” he had said. 

 

Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has already given his consent to go ahead with the series in a neutrally decided venue Sri Lanka. Meanwhile, PCB chief Shaharyar Khan said that they had decided to give up on the series after failing in receiving a necessary reply from the BCCI. According to a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between the PCB and BCCI, both countries are scheduled to play six series between 2015 and 2023 after a clearance from the Indian Government.  

India has not played a full bilateral Test series with Pakistan after the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks.