New Delhi: Former Pakistan Cricket Board chief Shahryar Khan today said that "terror syndrome" is preventing other countries to resume cricketing ties but a possibility is there that Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Zimbabwe will tour in near future.
"Till the time there is terrorist syndrome in Pakistan, people will not come to play cricket there. Our effort is cool off or end the particular syndrome. All will not come..but there is a possibility that Bangladesh, Sri Lanka or Zimbawve would come. It is difficult for India because of the relationship," Khan said at the launch of his book 'Cricket Cauldron' here today.
"We want to come out of it slowly but all this depends on where this syndrome has reached. Our government is trying to talk to these people so that the situation improves. Will that happen or not, it is not clear as of now," Khan further added.
Salman Bashir, the Pakistan High Commissioner said,"We need to start giving priority to resuming cricketing contacts and then of course other things will become much more easier."
Union minister and BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla said,"Both countries are keen to resume the cricketing ties as but problem is that Pakistan needs to address the issue of security. Once they ensure the security of the foriegn players, then we would definitely like to visit Pakistan."
"We want that we should play in each other's soil and not in a third country. This is the policy which BCCI has adopted and I am hopeful and optimistic that soon Pakistan will address the issue once the venue is clear as far as security issues are there. The assessment has to come from that sid," Shukla added.
Shukla went onto add further that had the South Africa series been not cleared by the board, they would have thought of inviting Pakistan for a short series.
"Had we not gone to South Africa, we were going to invite Pakistan for a 15-day window. We had almost decided but SA tour was cleared. Whenever we look for an opportunity, we definitely invite Pakistan. We will certainly consider and I am always for resumption of cricketing ties
Khan on his part further added,"We are ready to come to India whenever there is a gap or window. We could come and play five ODIs..over a month or six weeks. I can tell you that because I am part of the board in Pakistan. We need to re-start India vs Pakistan series. This is vital. Even the ICC says that the India vs Pakistan matches are more important than the Ashes."
