May 5, 2003	Monday	Rabi-ul-Awwal 2, 1424

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ISLAMABAD, May 4: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has stuck to its stand of not playing India if it does not tour this country first.

The cancellation on Saturday of this August’s Asia Cup in Sri Lanka seemingly because of Pakistan’s withdrawal from the tournament has created a wrong impression.

Pakistan were available for the Asia Cup but pulled out because of India’s refusal to honour its international commitment of playing a bilateral series this side of the border.

Pakistan withdrew from the Aug 9 to 28 tournament in Sri Lanka last month after India announced it won’t be touring for a Test series the same month. The PCB has therefore maintained its stand of not playing them if they do not play here first.

The PCB has now agreed to take part in the Morocco Cup, which is being held between Aug 3 and 14.

If India had toured last month, Pakistan would have definitely not withdrawn from the Asia Cup. Now Pakistan’s tour of India next year would depend on whether India plays here first.

There are reports now that India may come to Pakistan in January-February next year and with the Asia Cup slated for March, the PCB would know what move to make.

India has not played a Test match in Pakistan since 1989 but Pakistan, despite threats from Hindu fundamentalists, played three Tests in India in 1999-2000.

The Indian government does not allow its team to play Pakistan in bilateral series while letting them compete in multi- nation tournaments like the World Cup in South Africa where the two sides met in March.

However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is now seeking permission from its government to resume bilateral series with Pakistan fearing international isolation.