PCB's hopes dashed as Swaraj offers dead bat on Pakistan-India series

Dawn Sport Published December 9, 2015

The fate of the planned series between Pakistan and India appears to have taken a turn for the worst after Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Shaharyar Khan revealed that India's Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj did not discuss the resumption of cricketing ties with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on her visit to the country.

PCB was hoping Swaraj, who arrived in Islamabad on Tuesday for the Heart of Asia regional conference, would finally give Pakistan a definitive answer on the series after months of foot-dragging by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) which left the matter squarely in the hands of the India government.

Views from the pavilion: Pakistan should play series in India only if revenue is shared : Afridi

“We were hoping for some positive development finally but it is very disappointing that cricket was not discussed in the meeting between the Indian Foreign Minister and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif,” a dismayed Khan said on Wednesday.

“The prospects of organising a series now seem very bleak and we stand to lose at least $50 million under the current scenario,” he added.

The series, agreed between the two boards in a memorandum of understanding signed last year, was originally scheduled to pit the two teams in three Tests, five ODIs and two T20s, but ran into trouble amid strained political relations.

On Monday, the PCB said it was awaiting the Indian government's approval of a shortened limited-over series — three one-day and two T20 internationals to be held in Sri Lanka — which it agreed with the BCCI last month.

The PCB chairman, who had given the BCCI a December 7 deadline to decide on the series, said: “We have been informally told that Swaraj will talk on cricket and decide the fate of the series.”

Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi met on the sidelines of a climate change conference in Paris last week as the two countries seek a thaw in relations.

Making arrangements for the series -- which could run from December 17-January 3 -- would be “challenging” at such short notice, Khan said, “but we will do it once we get clearance from the Indian government.”

Sport

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India’s Foreign Minister will decide fate of series: PCB

‘Pakistan-India series may be reduced to meaningless fixtures’

PCB should stop pushing for India series: Afridi

ivehadit

Dec 09, 2015 07:58pm

Why not work out some more tours with other nations? This wait and bait is not good for Pakistani cricket.

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Khan

Dec 09, 2015 08:03pm

Pak -Ind series chapter should be stop now enough is enough !!!

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rathorew

Dec 09, 2015 08:05pm

@ivehadit I agree. And Shahryar Khan should stop talking about the money that Pakistan would lose. National dignity is more important..

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AIZ

Dec 09, 2015 08:05pm

Already mentioned that do not trust , better spend time to make other means to make money.

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nobody

Dec 09, 2015 08:07pm

I love this

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AJAZ HYDER

Dec 09, 2015 08:08pm

I cant understand why Mr Sheryyar Khan is so much worried about Indian cricket series, i didnt hear any such willingness by BCCI about this

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khan

Dec 09, 2015 08:12pm

India do not want PCB to make money and invest in PSL .

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Khalid

Dec 09, 2015 08:12pm

In the state of affairs between India & Pakistan, cricket is the last thing any of these two parties want to discuss in a rush. It is more important for both countries to get the relationship in order first. Cricket come later.

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Spellbinder

Dec 09, 2015 08:12pm

Foreign Ministers don't discuss cricket series, just have patience as the Indian cricket board would announce the approval tonight.

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Mobin Asghar

Dec 09, 2015 08:15pm

after this snub its high times that we should nt play in World T-20 next year in india.

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M.Saeed

Dec 09, 2015 08:20pm

It was very disappointing for the wagging tongues at treasure hunt but not the common Pakistanis. When terms are normal and relations cordial, many field will open, not only cricket. Shaharyar Khan retired as a foreign secretary and must know this better than anybody.

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stranger

Dec 09, 2015 08:21pm

Great news. It is better to not have the series than having one totally on Indian terms. We are not one of Big 3, but we have an honorable bunch of people. With decisions so heavily tilted in India's favor (venue, timing, how many ODI/T20s, etc.), it is good that they have refused. Now go PCB and try to stand on your own feet. I hope this refusal from India works for you as a blessing in disguise.

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shaer Khan

Dec 09, 2015 08:23pm

This is the best news of the day. We don't want to play India, that's it. We have other teams we can play with.

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Patriot

Dec 09, 2015 08:24pm

I am not sure as to why PCB keeps insisting and pondering on playing with India. If they don't to play then move on and play with other 9 cricketing nations!!

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Salim

Dec 09, 2015 08:25pm

SAD but current environment is not good for cricket between 2 nation ,besides just few Odi or T20 is not good enough,anyway I'm sure next year bcci will agree for a full series once relation improves.

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adnan

Dec 09, 2015 08:27pm

now when all chances of the proposed series are over, PCB really has got a good opportunity to drag BCCI in court and demand penalty for the revenues which it lost.

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Hitesh

Dec 09, 2015 08:33pm

BTW, the news says that PCB gave BCCI deadline of 7th December, but still awaiting a response from BCCI!!

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Shaan

Dec 09, 2015 08:33pm

I just want to tell my Pakistani brothers that the delay is not for any malicious reasons. Lot of people here don't believe Cricket with Pakistan at this time is not in the interest of our country's foreign policy. The fact that decision is taking so long is testimony that proponents of Cricket are trying equally hard. Please don't think that we have any bad interests for Pakistani cricket.

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RIZ

Dec 09, 2015 08:45pm

I think we are giving too much importance to cricket if we put efforts and energy towards country's development it will be more beneficial for everyone.

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Yasir

Dec 09, 2015 08:48pm

Please boycott India at ICC events. If atmosphere is not conducive for sport altogether then how icc events can be tolerated?

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Atif

Dec 09, 2015 08:59pm

The PCB must have been terribly naive when it signed the Big 3 deal on the condition that India would tour. Even a kid could work it out that India would backtrack easily when under no compulsion from the ICC and the loss is only Pakistani. The PCB must work extra hard to make PSL a success and get cash flowing. Ultimately, the PCB must lobby to wrest the lost political space back; without any legal/financial consequences, even a firecracker across the border will be enough to call off anything that hurts Pakistani Cricket interests.

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malika

Dec 09, 2015 09:01pm

Brilliant ploy by india to stall the series and bring losses to Pakistan. We have been made fools

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AXH

Dec 09, 2015 09:08pm

@Hitesh - Yes, that is why we are bashing PCB . Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on you; fool may three times, shame on me. This is what PCB does not seem to get as they are fear of financial losses has overcome their sense of self respect.

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Sami

Dec 09, 2015 09:15pm

I feel so sorry for shehryar khan and Najam Sethi, they tried so hard and put in all efforts to get the series going after all pcb is cash strapped and we needed this series for its financials but I hope they don't count on India and bcci in their future financial forecasts

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Dec 09, 2015 09:22pm

If teams refuse to play another ICC member country then ranking points should be deducted! Also I'm not sure how the ICC can even allow the T20 world cup to be hosted by India! Forget pakistani players even the umpires aren't safe in India!

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AIZ

Dec 09, 2015 09:27pm

Once PCB boycott T20 cup , then see the reaction BCCI..............

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Muhammad Usman

Dec 09, 2015 09:28pm

why are we dying to play with India? Show some sense of respect.

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Rick_james

Dec 09, 2015 09:40pm

What else is expected from the indian minister. There's a reason why I didn't want her to come to Pakistan.

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Madan Chaluwalia

Dec 09, 2015 09:45pm

Nice Sushma Swraj, you made us proud. This is how our agenda should be more highlighted.

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R.S. Menon

Dec 09, 2015 09:46pm

@ADNAN It was only an MOU signed between Ind and Pak for the cricket series. Perhaps you are not aware of the difference between an MOU and a contract.

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PrasadDeccani

Dec 09, 2015 09:47pm

@khan PCB doesn't need ind-pak series to finance PSL. It earned sufficient money to conduct PSL-1 in UAE by selling franchises.

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zeeshan dxb

Dec 09, 2015 09:48pm

Business mindedly, i can bring all the big 3 to the table by doing the following: 1. Bend the rules of cricket by introducing a little change in techniques, rules, etc. e.g. LBW can be given out for a batsman or reduction of 25 runs from the score card, etc. 2. Make inter country teams and play in UAE and Pakistan 3. Boycott any event in which India is playing In this way, all other countries will follow suit and the ICC will become more irrelevant as the time goes by and we detach from the international cricket but at the same time have our own game of cricket like basket ball and Base ball is to USA. Remember, it will be a small loss at the start, but once associate nations come into this type of game, it will branch out as another game and invented by Pakistan just like Ice Hockey branched out of Hockey or other types of football games.

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Anuj

Dec 09, 2015 09:49pm

@MS Didn't you see recent SA series?? Nobody was shot.

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Anuj

Dec 09, 2015 09:52pm

@MS you are not safe anywhere, recent US attacks tells why. Look into the mirror.

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Steve Boston USA

Dec 09, 2015 10:04pm

@ Khan KhanSahib it is said easy. $50 million what other series will bring. PCB is bankrupt, needs it badly to finance Pakistan Super League. Enough is not enough.

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Protege

Dec 09, 2015 10:09pm

So happy. No series between the two countries. Yey! Now let's explore new avenues to earn money. Too much dependence on one source (country) is not good. This will force us to become self sufficient. Good!

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Nani_Patekar

Dec 09, 2015 10:09pm

That's not cricket #India!

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Sarai Alamgir

Dec 09, 2015 10:12pm

PCB should play against some other country, stop running after the BCCI, we are Pakistan and our cricket pull is not bad as well, we are a main draw for any playing country.

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zaman

Dec 09, 2015 10:19pm

Why are we dying to play India on their terms. Last time they gave us a one day series they lost miserably, so why call us again for humiliation.

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Asit Ghosh, Mumbai

Dec 09, 2015 10:19pm

The whole thing has now taken a proportion of the absurd but somehow PCB does not get it. Not yet!

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Nadeem

Dec 09, 2015 10:22pm

Dear PCB, please for God sake, don't beg for this anymore and bring some self respect for the nation.

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Syed Hafeez Imran

Dec 09, 2015 10:25pm

What is interesting and revealing is that India does not want to play in UAE without giving any reason, There rationale for not playing in Pakistan is the security issue. UAE is probbably the safest place on earth, whils Sri Lanka is not completely safe!!

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vijay salem

Dec 09, 2015 10:35pm

@Khalid agree. There are far more important things that need to be attended . cricket can wait.

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Divergence

Dec 09, 2015 10:40pm

Why such a fuss over one small cricket series, resolve core issues rather than wasting one's time

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azkhan71

Dec 09, 2015 10:41pm

WHO CARES....I do not understand when Mr. Khan will realize that India/BCCI are not serious about MoU and any kind of series. There are many other teams which are more respectful and have better records. PCB should contact SL, SA and WI boards and schedule number of series rather wasting their time and effort going after BCCI.

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shaffiq qureshi

Dec 09, 2015 10:58pm

I don't know why the PCB still wants series with India.these people don't like us nor have any respect for us.now PCB should not send our t20 team to India as they are in danger of harassment by shiv sena.better stay at home

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Adnan Mazher Khan

Dec 09, 2015 11:02pm

I have never seen such a disgrace. Our PCB heads must roll for their shameful pursuance to play India.

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PakistanFirst

Dec 09, 2015 11:03pm

Two points I would like to add: -> Did Pakistani Govt. discuss this issue with India even if Indian side didn't approach this issue? -> Why don't PCB reach out to Afghanistan and invite them to tour Pakistan for 5 ODIs and 3 T20Is? Play the matches in Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi, Multan, Quetta, Peshawar. Perhaps as a favor, PCB can send Pakistani team to Kabul to play 2 T20I matches.

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Lost Lakha

Dec 09, 2015 11:16pm

@Spellbinder, hope you are right, though it seems an inside information, or coming through an inside source! To understand Politics one has to be a Statesman, to understand Art and Sport one has to bean Artist and Sportsman respectively. In their next meeting both sides must include An Actor and A Captain in their negotiating team.

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LOUDSPEAKER

Dec 09, 2015 11:17pm

Looks like both Govt of India and BCCI are not interested in restoring Cricket series between the two countries. Let's close this chapter.

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nobody

Dec 09, 2015 11:19pm

@Adnan Mazher Khan .... Thats not a suprise, this is how they work with US/China or KSA. When you don't have self confidence, there will always be dependance. India slowly but surely is making it big on the world stage, modi is adding that extra power to this.

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ROHIT PANDEY

Dec 09, 2015 11:26pm

There are hundreds of millions of Indians who feel justice has not been done for the victims of 26/11 attack. I really sorry that PCB is losing $50 millions, and BCCI is likely to lose as well? Unless and until, the political will in Pakistan strengthens, and the perpetrators are brought to justice, nothing much is likely to happen. The BJP government has its own political compulsions, much like the Pakistan government. Do think things over very carefully readers?

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madeeha mahmood

Dec 09, 2015 11:27pm

PCB need to plan tours with other countries. Enough of follow up with India.

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Khan

Dec 09, 2015 11:31pm

Cricket is a minor issue that should not be part of the major announcement regarding resumption of talks. Cricket takes a back seat now.

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Bipul

Dec 09, 2015 11:34pm

I think BCCI should give $50 million to PCB so that PCB doesn't bear loss. It will be good gesture from BCCI.

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Atul

Dec 09, 2015 11:35pm

I think this is not right time to focus on cricket. Let us put the effort on the peace process and then look in to the other things.

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Anuj

Dec 09, 2015 11:49pm

@PrasadDeccani we'll see how nuch PCB has made.

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Mubashar

Dec 09, 2015 11:52pm

Why don't they just sue them for violation of the agreement get compensation and move ahead ?

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Sab Se Pehle Pakistan

Dec 10, 2015 12:12am

Pathetic PCB is humiliating Pakistan. This is the limit.

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Lahoree1@sbcglobal.net

Dec 10, 2015 12:16am

Heck with India Cricket Series. Many other nations play cricket.

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Inti

Dec 10, 2015 12:24am

Sue them for the compensation which is due for the agreement in principle then see where they hide. A lot is owed to Pakistan cricket and the revenue being lost under sponsorship. How else are we going to develop grass root cricket and structure. ICC is accountable.

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T.M. Reddy

Dec 10, 2015 12:31am

It is not over. That is diplomacy. We liver in sensitive world. Need to understand intricacies associated with it. I am sure lots of people wanted to see cricket between these two nations. Cricket is relatively simple and enjoyable but other things are so complicated to resolve.

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John

Dec 10, 2015 12:55am

@khan PSL does not matter for BCCI or IPL. There are enough competing leagues around in BD, SL, WI etc. If BCCI did not stop these leagues why would it stop PSL. Now if you want to make money off India and reinvest in PSL, that's your outlook.

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shazad

Dec 10, 2015 12:56am

It seems the only time Pakistan was giving befitting reply and response to Indians was during Musharraf time. When India put around a million force on Pak border in 2002 and threatened to attack, Pakistan told them that Pakistan is prepared, and dared them to attack. Stand-off stayed for around a year than Indian dispersed. Today, we have government of incompetent hijras, who are bending all the way for Indians, instead of telling them to disappear in the hole from where they came from.

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Dec 10, 2015 01:20am

give india final deadline again

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Harsha Subbaiah

Dec 10, 2015 01:23am

Desperation is at its peak! Y'all need to chill out! India and Pakistan will surely play when other stuff gets into the right track. Now it surely looks like this series is not about getting people a game but more of money making! When situation is so blatant with sour diplomacy, it really isn't a good thing trying to beg for a series.

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Valar Morgulis

Dec 10, 2015 01:39am

This is extremely unprofessional of BCCI, and Indian Govt. is accomplice to it. Their continued pattern of extreme unprofessionalism is quite dismaying. If you weren't serious about it then why even started on this case? Why invited PCB to Mumbai and then came over to Dubai to meet PCB? If you weren't serious then should've kept the previous stance and shouldn't have initiated any dialogue. PCB must be blamed as well for their failed strategy as they should've been more prudent every time when dealing with Indian Govt. I feel sorry for sincere people like Rajiv Shukla and Sheheryar Khan who really put effort for revival of cricket, but unfortunately the ignorance prevailed once again.

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Steve Boston USA

Dec 10, 2015 01:49am

@Mubashar Because the contract says subject to govt approval. Now clear.

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Tupac

Dec 10, 2015 01:49am

PCB is being played like fiddle by BCCI. Have some honor and stop begging India. If India refuses to honor commitments then boycott all tournament matches against them.

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Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad

Dec 10, 2015 01:57am

Didn't I tell you that it was going to happen this way?

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Tupac

Dec 10, 2015 02:00am

@R.S. Menon Perhaps you're not aware that both MOU and a contract are based on integrity of one's word. India, in this case, has none. If India doesn't want to play, then so be it. Pakistan needs to boycott the T20 WC and forfeit all other tournament games with India. It's time to move on.

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Khurram Jadoon

Dec 10, 2015 02:57am

Incompetent chairman and Prime Minister - just stop this non-sense and play rest of the world, become champion in all formats they will come to play with you.

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Mahen

Dec 10, 2015 03:16am

@zaman And India won the TESTS

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Satyameva Jayate

Dec 10, 2015 03:43am

A Good End. Now let us wait to see the Fate of PSL 2016.

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Ironman

Dec 10, 2015 04:49am

With almost daily news of pakistani infiltrators/spies being shot dead or captured, border firings, etc in the Indian media, there is zero interest in India in having any relations with pakistan, let alone cricket. Looks like pakistanis have little idea of what we think of them. Ostrich syndrome.

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naveed ,USA

Dec 10, 2015 05:19am

@AJAZ HYDER I also don't understand PCB's chairman so hungry for this series? Why don't you give it up Mr.Shahryar????????????????????

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Fun

Dec 10, 2015 05:22am

@adnan And close all future prospects ? Is that a good business deal?

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Fun

Dec 10, 2015 05:23am

@zaman Its all about millions bro,nothing else !

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Fun

Dec 10, 2015 05:24am

@Syed Hafeez Imran India does not want Dawood make money. Got it?

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Rehan

Dec 10, 2015 05:40am

Indians don't want to play PakistaN and let's leave it at that. There has been a lot of tension between the two countries and Indians are maintaining their stand. PCB should stop running after them for the money they bring. PSL has brought enough already.

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Cricketcoment

Dec 10, 2015 05:43am

Pak India series r.i.p. Pakistan can always be proud of having better win ratio. No matter how good India be in future pak will have better win ratio.

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manoj

Dec 10, 2015 06:03am

@Tupac do indian and bcci really care

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Raja Ragu Raman

Dec 10, 2015 06:03am

Shahryar Khan will request BCCI for "final" response next week as usual

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Shahid Akbar, New York

Dec 10, 2015 06:07am

To heck with playing with India.

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Cricket-One

Dec 10, 2015 06:49am

Did someone expect anything other than that ?

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سے Shaam (Hanafi)

Dec 10, 2015 07:02am

Shaharyar Khan being ex-diplomat of repute must know, not to jump the gun on slightest provocation. This summit was on Afghanistan and initiating peace process with Pakistan, which India & Pakistan achieved. Indian minister was not in Pakistan to talk about cricket ties, PCB please do not be so naive and childish... India and Pakistan have far wider and serious things to talk about and not just cricket...Cricket diplomacy has no role to play in the 21st Century, there are far more serious concerns in both countries that need to be tackled 'FIRST'.

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Rahul s

Dec 10, 2015 07:22am

Height of desperation by PSB

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Kanwaljeet Singh

Dec 10, 2015 07:28am

cricket is a non priority. there are may other things which to be discussed in such high level meeting. India showing lot of resolve and honesty. We need to build trust and non issues like cricket will fall in place. cricket diplomacy is a fallacy. best of luck

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Harsha Subbaiah

Dec 10, 2015 08:31am

There can only be two reasons for such pitiable desperation. 1. PCB may not be in shambles but it sure isn't in great shape. It lives on more than it earns and to top it up now they promised PSL and revenue of 50 million dollars would not only boost the board but also help them being a lil extravagant trying to compare their lot to IPL or BBL. 2. This point could be a lil fought upon, but I highly feel that Mr Khan and Mr Sethi wanna come into the good books of Pakistan public as well as the govt. cause out of all this commotion if the series does get on the floor, these two 'fine' gentlemen would blow their trumpets into the annals of cricketing history. Trust they are capable of. Forget everything, when situation comes there will be matches. When such kind of desperation is shown then the other party would obviously make you look like a fool.

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Sinha

Dec 10, 2015 09:41am

PCB is desperate to play India for financial reason. If they play with other countries PCB will make very less money from financier and tv rights.

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Prashant Singh Rathore

Dec 10, 2015 10:10am

@malika Obviously yes

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Imran

Dec 10, 2015 10:31am

Stop wasting time on India. Have some dignity please.

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saleem

Dec 10, 2015 12:17pm

I do not understand why they force them to play? please leave them alone and do not waste your time.

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R.Kannan

Dec 10, 2015 12:34pm

Agreeing to play cricket when borders are under attack would be ridiculous. The Indian government has disappointed everybody,except the peace at any cost fanatics, by agreeing to a composite dialogue while Pakistan refuses to close down terror factories. Cricket can wait but who will do justice to the thousands ( possibly lakhs) who lost their lives in terror attacks over the last few decades ?

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Mike

Dec 10, 2015 01:14pm

Big3 specially India earns major chucks of money for ICC. ICC can't interfere in this because big3 can create another cricket governing body and ICC's revenue will be reduced by 90%.

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Anuj

Dec 10, 2015 02:25pm

@Mike India alone generates about 70% of ICC revenue and in return gets only 22%. Before big 3 was formed, BCCI was getting just 4%. So what's wrong with BIG 3?

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Abdulla Hussain

Dec 10, 2015 06:51pm

Can't we move away from India Pakistan cricket series, this is becoming a joke now.

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Sam

Dec 10, 2015 10:26pm

@Anuj What you are suggesting is OK if India controls their own revenues. Why is India try to control cricket in other countries? India can keep their money but others have equal right to play.

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Ahmer

Dec 11, 2015 12:05am

What is the harm in playing in India if the revenue is shared? India cannot say No to it.

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Sherry

Dec 11, 2015 01:33am

Too much begging!! Have some respect please PCB.

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bharat

Dec 11, 2015 05:50am

How about BCCI uses its clout in ICC and bans PAK till they get they fix their country just like South Africa was banned for 30 years for racism

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deven

Dec 11, 2015 08:19am

Sushmaji was in Pakistan over the meeting to discuss the future of Afghanistan and not the India Pakistan relations,

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deven

Dec 11, 2015 08:22am

@Mobin Asghar Good Idea. BCCI will surely suffer , so what all other nations will happily play in India.

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Fakruddin

Dec 11, 2015 09:40am

When a PM says we will eat grass but we will have nuclear Bomb, I guess he had not envisioned that PCB will be really eating the grass as it looses 50 M USD.

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