England “offers” to be neutral venue for Indo-Pak Test series; BCCI “not interested”
Team Udayavani, Sep 28, 2022, 8:44 AM IST
Representative Image (Credit: AP Photo/ Eranga Jayawardena)
London: England and Wales Cricket Board has informally offered to be the hosts if India and Pakistan plan to play a bilateral Test series but BCCI sources said chances of that happening in near future is “next to nil”.
The UK daily ‘Telegraph’ reported that “Martin Darlow, the deputy chairman of the England and Wales Cricket Board, has held talks with the Pakistan Cricket Board during the current Twenty20 series and offered England’s grounds as venues for ideally a three-match Test series in future.”
While the ECB has made the offer for its own commercial gains, the powers that be in the BCCI laughed off the suggestions and said that no such possibilities might arise at least in next few years.
“Firstly, ECB spoke to PCB about an Indo-Pak series and that’s a bit weird. In any case, a series against Pakistan is not something that the BCCI will decide but it is the decision of the government. As of now, the stance remains the same. We only play Pakistan at multi-team events,” a senior BCCI official privy to India’s position told PTI on Tuesday.
India and Pakistan last played a short bilateral white-ball series back in 2012 in India and the last Test series dates back to 2007.
With the tense political relations between the neighbours, it is a big ‘No’ from BCCI irrespective of whether it is played at home, away or a neutral venue.
The newspaper states precisely the reason why ECB made the “generous offer”.
“The matches would attract big crowds in the UK, which has a large ex-pat south Asian population,” it said.
“The matches attract huge sponsorship revenue and television audiences.”
However, the paper made it clear that even “PCB is not keen on playing India at neutral venue but are grateful for the ECB’s offer, which shows the growing relationship between the two boards.”
It stated that with the big nations again starting to tour Pakistan, it will be a “retrograde step in their eyes” if they happen to play on a neutral venue.
Udayavani is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel and stay updated with the latest news.
Top News
Related Articles More
Surya gave me an opportunity to bat at No 3, wanted to repay his faith: Tilak Varma
Tilak Varma slams ton as India take 2-1 lead against South Africa with 11-run win in third T20I
Pakistan should stop playing cricket with India, says Rashid Latif
I’ve found ways and means to break it down: Ashwin on Smith’s batting
Blind T20 WC: Indian team eyes clearance from MHA, MEA; Sports Ministry clears travel to Pakistan
MUST WATCH
Latest Additions
Cow smuggler dead, six others injured after their vehicle overturns during police chase
Assam bypolls: Samaguri Cong candidate alleges rigging by BJP, demands repolling
Who in Congress has said Article 370 will be restored? Shah spreading lies: Kharge
All arrangements in place to ensure smooth darshan at Sabarimala shrine: Kerala police
Delhi pollution: Mothers’ group write to health minister, highlight respiratory issues among kids
Thanks for visiting Udayavani
You seem to have an Ad Blocker on.
To continue reading, please turn it off or whitelist Udayavani.