“Whenever that series comes under discussion, the first choice is going to be Pakistan.” -File photo

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has strongly rejected reports that it was considering the possibility of hosting India in England for the reciprocal series between the two sides.

I want to make it crystal clear that the PCB hasn’t even thought about the reciprocal series against India so there is no truth in any reports on this issue,” PCB’s media manager Nadeem Sarwar said.

“Whenever that series comes under discussion, the first choice is going to be Pakistan,” Sarwar added.

But the reluctance of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to send a team across the border may mean that Pakistani fans may have to travel to England to see their team host India, after other venues did not find favour with the Indian board.

Pakistan and India are tentatively scheduled to take on each other in India first during a small window in December when the visiting English team will return home for a Christmas and New Year break.

But while the Indian board seems to be well on course to get everything right in time for the series, the PCB may once again be left scurrying for venues as it did with its upcoming series against Australia.

It has emerged that India is unwilling to play Pakistan in UAE, the teams temporary home, as it may ‘attract unwelcome attention’ of the illegal betting industry.

The possibility, although very unlikely, of the series being hosted in India has even come up, with the venues being leased to the Pakistani board.

But as things stand it seems the three ODIs and two T20s will most likely find a host in England where logistics will not be an issue.

Opinion

Merging for what?

Merging for what?

The concern is that if the government is thinking of cutting costs through the merger, we might even lose the functionality levels we currently have.

Editorial

Dubai properties
Updated 16 May, 2024

Dubai properties

It is hoped that any investigation that is conducted will be fair and that no wrongdoing will be excused.
In good faith
16 May, 2024

In good faith

THE ‘P’ in PTI might as well stand for perplexing. After a constant yo-yoing around holding talks, the PTI has...
CTDs’ shortcomings
16 May, 2024

CTDs’ shortcomings

WHILE threats from terrorist groups need to be countered on the battlefield through military means, long-term ...
Reserved seats
Updated 15 May, 2024

Reserved seats

The ECP's decisions and actions clearly need to be reviewed in light of the country’s laws.
Secretive state
15 May, 2024

Secretive state

THERE is a fresh push by the state to stamp out all criticism by using the alibi of protecting national interests....
Plague of rape
15 May, 2024

Plague of rape

FLAWED narratives about women — from being weak and vulnerable to provocative and culpable — have led to...