Shaharyar proposes home matches in India
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NEW DEHLI: The south Asian neighbours may not share the best of relations but Pakistan would like to play their home matches in India, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Shaharyar Khan said.
Top Test playing nations have shunned Pakistan since the 2009 attack on the visiting Sri Lankan players in Lahore with the PCB instead playing the majority of their home matches in the United Arab Emirates.
The PCB have managed to coax Zimbabwe into touring Pakistan this month for a brief limited over series which is currently underway.
“We would like to make India our home,” Shaharyar told the Hindustan Times newspaper. “India will be more cost-effective,” he said, adding Bangladesh and Sri Lanka have also offered to host home matches.
India cancelled bilateral cricket series with its neighbour after militants killed 166 people in Mumbai in 2008 but hosted Pakistan in 2012-13 for a short limited over series.
Khan visited India earlier this month and said the neighbours are likely to play a full series in the United Arab Emirates in December.
While cricketing relations maybe thawing, political tensions still exist.
The duo have gone to war three times since their independence in 1947 and the prospect of Pakistan playing their home matches across the border is likely to meet with political opposition in India.
“We will cross that bridge when we come to it,” Khan said.
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Comments (76) Closed
May 24, 2015 04:05pm
Very good proposal but sadly not possible for now owing to mistrust between two countries. Its a distant dream that can't be materialized in short term.
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May 24, 2015 04:06pm
Wow - this is thinking out of the box. If this works, it could lead to many positive spin-off benefits, and Mr. Shaharyar would be hailed as a genius. If not, well, let us stay positive!
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May 24, 2015 04:10pm
It would be better for both countries to play bilateral cricket series in India.By promoting cricket Pak-India can remove trust deficit which is prevalent between them. We are optimistic India will comply with the offer of PCB chairman.
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May 24, 2015 04:18pm
it would be great local audience and regular earnings
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May 24, 2015 04:21pm
Mr.Khan deserves respect. He is a hard working person and a visionary ahead of time.
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May 24, 2015 04:30pm
It may be doubly difficult.
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May 24, 2015 04:35pm
I think it would be great If it happens.... but politicians won't let it.. because it will bring people closer to each other and could endanger bread and butter of hatred for some
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May 24, 2015 04:39pm
Am I missing something here? What's he on ?
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May 24, 2015 04:52pm
Too desperate to play in India , i wonder what the reason may be ?
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May 24, 2015 05:03pm
Appreciable move by PCB chief. Good for Pakistan team for international exposure and for india to genrtate revenue. India should grab this opportunity.
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May 24, 2015 05:18pm
Sri Lanka will be a good choice. A lot of Indians oppose this proposal, seeing from social media and comments section of all India news sites.
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May 24, 2015 05:22pm
I support this. I am Indian. For the first time an out of the box suggestion from PCB. Well not really out of the box but still this will serve many purposes. I have seen people in my hostel supporting Pakistan against Australia. Let's see how it goes...
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May 24, 2015 05:22pm
Who will sponsor you in India. Pakistani players are not allowed to play in IPL, or at least the IPL team are afraid to pick them due to local pressure and threats. Please check realities and think before to make statements. First step should be to reintroduce Pakistani players in IPL. Renegotiate your contracts with UAE or make Srilanka an alternate option.
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May 24, 2015 05:23pm
This is the diplomat speaking out of Shaharyar Khan - A master stroke!
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May 24, 2015 05:42pm
It may be doubly difficult.
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May 24, 2015 05:43pm
The PCB chief has to understand that it's not always about cost ... There is something called a nations pride .. How can he think about making India home when Pakistani players are still not able to play in IPL and Pakistanis will face the most adverse crowd from anywhere in the world. You talk about the lowes point in Pakistan's cricket history. This would be the lowest point in Pakistan's history. Show some self respect. And why do you even have to talk about it while you are having a series in Pakistan Now. Shouldn't you be encouraging more teams to come here
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May 24, 2015 05:58pm
The only home for Pakistan cricket is PAKISTAN.
All folks should roll their sleeves up and get to work to achieve this.
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May 24, 2015 06:00pm
It's a good proposal for creating a good environment for not only cricket but also building a peaceful coexistence for both the country as well.
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May 24, 2015 06:11pm
How about a joint Indo Pak team guys??? I think it could be very exciting.
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May 24, 2015 06:15pm
If its cost effective, go for it. But what if Pakistan wants a 'home series' with say Australia. Will India sit back and enjoy?
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May 24, 2015 06:24pm
There is a lot of tension building up between Pakistan & India. This is hardly an appropriate moment for a bilateral cricket series between them. Why should Pakistan play their home matches in India.
It may be better to wait till the time atmosphere is more conducive.
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May 24, 2015 06:44pm
@ali
To create a good environment , no need to bend down . No matter what , never loose self respect for money.
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May 24, 2015 06:47pm
Just a mirage!
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May 24, 2015 06:52pm
I favour resumption of India-Pakistan bilateral series.
Its every cricket lovers (of this subcontinent) dream to watch India Vs Pakistan match.
Please leave politics aside from sports. If we can play kabaddi, hockey etc, why can't cricket??
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May 24, 2015 06:54pm
Can't blame him. Think from his position once. He is just trying to reduce PCB's financial burden by whatever means possible and that is only possible by having India-Pak matches, wherever and whenever possible.
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May 24, 2015 06:58pm
I wish this happens
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May 24, 2015 07:01pm
As an Indian I can say that its a very bold statement. He deserves to be commended for this
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May 24, 2015 07:02pm
A remarkable proposal. Let's hope India agrees - but would that be asking for too much ?
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May 24, 2015 07:29pm
Well kind of hostile relationship and mistrust we have with India its second to impossible!!
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May 24, 2015 07:41pm
Shaharyar Khan sahib does and proposes things because they are easy but because they are hard and difficult. It makes a lot of sense for our brothers & sisters across the border to let Pakistan play in those centres and towns where this anti Pakistan sentiment does not exist and if it does only in very small pockets. Facilities are there, supporters from Pakistan can travel by rail & air and stay at economic prices and there is probably enough local support for Pakistani players if not Pakistan the country in many of the centres.
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May 24, 2015 07:44pm
I think of more crowd and more revenue.
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May 24, 2015 07:46pm
Very positive and bold step by Mr. Shaharyar Khan Saheb. It is definitely effective in normalization of relation.
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May 24, 2015 07:46pm
Good thinking by PCB! Would love to see a indo-pak matches being played again ! All Pakistanis are welcome to India, the more we interact with each other, the more we will learn about each other and remove mistrust !
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May 24, 2015 07:51pm
This is the diplomat speaking out of Shaharyar Khan - A master stroke!
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May 24, 2015 08:01pm
This should be considered only if Indian government agrees to issue 20,000 or more visa's to Pakistanis. If not, then there is no point.
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May 24, 2015 08:17pm
@Yankee Cricket Fan
This would be the exact reason why India would not host it. Security concerns from arriving Pakistani fans. I think Sri Lanka would be a better choice.
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May 24, 2015 08:23pm
Money is the bottom line.
Instant brotherly love and goodwill.
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May 24, 2015 08:31pm
Desperate Pakistan! If Afghanistan asks India to make it's homeground, that makes sense. Pakistan's folly is its own fault
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May 24, 2015 09:02pm
@raja farhat abbas ---money
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May 24, 2015 09:31pm
Dont worry bcci will refuse this proposal through central govt of india
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May 24, 2015 09:43pm
Let's beat pakistan
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May 24, 2015 09:54pm
Some official sources in BCCI have already said that this may not be practical as India has its own International and Domestic commitments, plus there is IPL. It may be very difficult to make available all the Stadia. Also if enough Visas are not issued to Pakistani fans, players may have to play without enough crowd support and Indian cricket fans won't have much interest in watching Pakistan take on say West Indies or England.
Lots of issues. A bold suggestion nevertheless, but may be impractical.
Meanwhile it would be better if the series is held in December in UAE, although BCCI has issues with TEN Network, and series may go ahead only if this thorny issue is resolved.
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May 24, 2015 11:00pm
No Thanks, No need to play there.. keep your ideas to yourself Mr. Shehryar.
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May 24, 2015 11:31pm
Very much surprising suggestion .India hosting home matches of Pak ? Why why why ? Just b coz Pak board is in financial trouble.But who will manage the flood of tourists few of whom will definitely be the undesireables.
He should look to Sri Lanka or Bangladedh where it will be more cheaper.
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May 24, 2015 11:37pm
@Rashid Sultan I agree the support is awesome for pakistani cricketers. We do laugh out loud when a pakistani cricketer errs but in our heart, the respect multiplies million when they perform well even after so much tension at home
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May 25, 2015 12:04am
@Yankee Cricket Fan what is in it for India? Pakistan will mostly benefit. I don't see this working at all.
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May 25, 2015 12:35am
It would make more sense to play home games in Bangladesh.
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May 25, 2015 01:09am
Not a good idea. Need to build up Pakistan security and cricket infrastructure. New world class stadiums are needed in all major and 2/3 tiered cities.
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May 25, 2015 01:15am
if it happens then Pakistanis would be surprised to see many ppl coming in numbers to support Pakistan team !
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May 25, 2015 01:16am
@Aurora: Or Aghanistan
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May 25, 2015 01:44am
Out of box, out of mind!
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May 25, 2015 01:58am
It will not be possible because of India's Media anti Pakistan propaganda.
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May 25, 2015 02:16am
Brilliant!! India should grab this with both hands, After all we are estranged brothers!
And who would cheer more loudly for the Pakistan team than the Indians.yes yes yes. All my Indian friends would love this and all my Pakistani friends would love this too, So, GO FOR IT....... Shahryar, you are awesome bro!!!!
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May 25, 2015 03:16am
I would have agreed, if I see even a minuscule amount of good gesture from Indian board, whether it be letting Pakistani players in IPL or support at ICC level for umpire in Pakistan for this series or commiting some game with Pakistan in UAE even.
Those who don't see the concerted effort of India as playing politics with game of cricket are either naive or plain dumb.
India has hurt Pakistani cricket as much if not more as the PCB itself.
I will see as a sign of greed or lack of ego of PCB, if they make India as their home game , unless some friendly gesture from the other side.
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May 25, 2015 04:24am
Alright. Here is the plan. Regular Pakistan India series should be the mainstay of this proposal. It will generate quite a bit of revenues for pakistan cricket board also. Then you invest a large part of that earnings in creating 2-3 new stadiums in India, which can then be allocated as Pakistan's Home grounds. Although it will be used for other matches as well and will be in control of BCCI. The locations for those stadiums can be very wisely chosen to create least amount of worries for everyone.
Moreover, Pakistani cricket board may think about coming under BCCI as a regional unit and it can have access to all world-class financial systems, massive audience, training and other facilities, IPL and other things that only BCCI can offer.
There are many other benefits, much greater in value than cricket or monies. Its about the deeper interaction between common people of both countries thorough this joint exercise.
To solve our problems all we need to do is - Keep talking.
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May 25, 2015 04:28am
Coaxed is a wrong word used as it has negative meaning. The right word should have been simply "persuaded". Also, it is not a good idea at all as Indian crowd will always be cheering against Pakistan team and you can not have a home match where the majority crowd is against you.
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May 25, 2015 05:55am
@भारतीय - No sir. Thank you.
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May 25, 2015 06:29am
it has been extreme difficult to forget kargil misadventure, mumbai attack and soldiers be headed on border,we respect people of pakistans sentiments. govt policy to encourage separists in j and k also one reason.sir is it not possible to halt some issues for 5 yrs.keep border as it is. let people of both side live peacefully, then creat healthy atmosphere. here govt dont want to change policy, this is obstruction.no country will allow to kill its own people by extremists.you know from where they comes and what govt has done for that. not possible sir till govt chnage its mind and draw attention on development. we respect you my pakistani friends.
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May 25, 2015 06:36am
This is like putting a square peg in a round hole. There are too many underlying issues with India to make playing sports or trade meaningful. Pakistan needs to move away from India, secure all borders and align with CAS/Iran/China/Iran.
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May 25, 2015 07:04am
did not read the whole story nor have the time. but do want to register my mind when i read the title." why can't we fix our system instead of relying on others" till when will we wake up and be master of our own destiny.
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May 25, 2015 07:10am
Not a bad idea but with a lot of challenges.
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May 25, 2015 07:12am
This is a very sensible proposal. Let us keep our favorite game and love of billion plus people out of the dirty politics, of the few. First let us know each other on a neutral ground and once we meet in a cordial way, play a few matches, start visiting each other on a regular basis. Believe me Dhoni and Virat Kohli are loved as much in Pakistan as in India.
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May 25, 2015 07:28am
Only way pcb can pay players.Be honest how many cricketers play for country.all want to make money,you have seen the crowd in uae if u believe any of them come to see the match while paying ticket u re in big delusional time is other problem what kind of commercial they can run no sponsors either.nice thinking let's hope work out it will be tricky though.
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May 25, 2015 07:41am
go to Bangladesh. A lot more support for the Pakistan team there.
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May 25, 2015 07:42am
No thank you.
Why should Pakistan make India their home ground when it is India only that , for the past so many years, tried her best (and continues to) to sideline Pakistan from cricket.
This is a rediculous idea.
We should instead, have 'home' matches in Sri Lanka or Zimbabwe who have supported Pak cricket through thick and thin.
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May 25, 2015 08:12am
Enough is enough. Let India and Pakistan start playing matches on each other's grounds. Cricket fans in both countries are much stronger than the terrorists. We have given into the terrorists for too long.
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May 25, 2015 08:57am
Sadly , if people at the helm work against the people then this is what we get. If matches cannot be played in Pakistan then we are not interested to go elsewhere
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May 25, 2015 09:12am
Will your Generals allow this ? but a great idea .
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May 25, 2015 09:24am
I think Bangladesh or Srilanka would have been more practicable option. Though India would have been ideal but not practical owing to political reasons. PCB should pay more attention to carve out ways to bring international cricket home on regular basis. May be go on with west-indies tour.
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May 25, 2015 09:43am
@umer - India already said no to the home series proposal. Our calendar is tied up years in advance. As far as Pakistan wanting to play a home series in Australia is concerned, why not? Go for it, brother.
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May 25, 2015 11:01am
So, mr. Khan wants india to be our home since pak is not safe for foreign teams. How about the safety of pakistani players in India. Haven't we had many threats from extremist groups there? Though I'm all supportive of india-pak series at a neutral venue.
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May 25, 2015 11:05am
Ignorance at its very best! when cricket is returning to Pakistan, our so-called "chief" dispels further hope of more cricket at home by proposing to play in India? why? there are other ways to save money but playing at home is a right of a cricketing nation and its fan base. this is not to be weighed in terms of good business decision making? then we ought to fire sheryar and co. in the interest of good business decisions, good for nothing management, we can save a lot of money this way too! bring cricket back to home, don't provide lip service to please your masters mr. shehryar! this is not your private cricket club - you have a responsibility to make sure cricket flourishes in Pakistan. when the indians are busy with their IPL and dont even care about Pakistan or Pakistani cricket why should we go play in India? for what? to benefit you and our prime minister?
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May 25, 2015 11:27am
@Blue Saffron I totally and completely agree with you.
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May 25, 2015 11:44am
@Ostrich Ahead of time for sure. A few light years ahead. Its like wanting to stay in your neighbors house knowing sure that the neighbor will not allow it. Now that is optimism for you.
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May 25, 2015 12:08pm
@Shdhsn
ipl is direcly playing for a indian association bec ipl is owned by bcci
and playing in india as a home ground against other teams is different it is they rent indian stadium andpay india for using the facilities like hotel grounds, security ect ect
the money from ticket sold will go to pakistn thatis their revenue from which they pay india for all services rendered
plu this income if pakistan makes a profit will also be taxed as per law like how when there is a rock show in india by some foreign rock bands or even pakistani singers have show in india their income is taxed
its a good idea india can make some money by using their stadiums which are not used round the year
this goes with the idea of modis make in india
and pls understand UAE is creating problrm for pakistan bec of the yemen issue
good idea PCB
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May 25, 2015 03:06pm
Where does that idea come from.... Better work on making our home a safe and hospitable place to visitors to visit not only for cricketers but tourists from all over. Crazy band aid ideas should be dropped.
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