New Delhi, Jul 5: The resumption of Indo-Pak bilateral cricket ties is a matter to be decided by the BCCI and the PCB even though security remains an issue, Indian Foreign secretary Ranajan Mathai said today.
Speaking in a press interaction after a meeting with his Pakistan counterpart Jalil Abbas Jilani, Mathai said the two countries strive to be actively involved with each other in the sporting arena.
“As for resumption of cricketing ties, this is a matter between the BCCI and the PCB. There are issues of security as well. However, as you will see in the joint statement we have emphasised the need to promote sports contacts between the two countries,” Mathai told reporters.
Jilani also said that things are moving forward in the right direction on the issue.
“With regard to the cricketing ties, again this issue was discussed between myself and His Excellency Mr. Ranjan Mathai.
“I put forward certain suggestions for the revival of cricketing ties between the two countries, and I think we will continue with this positive trajectory that we have adopted over the years in moving forward in our relations,” he said.
The Indo-Pak bilateral cricket ties have snapped after the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks even though the two teams have come face to face in multi-team events such as the World Cup.
The Pakistan Cricket Board is pushing hard for the resumption of ties but the BCCI is playing hardball citing the busy international schedule.
A desperate Pakistan has even offered to host the Indians on neutral turf given the perils of touring the strife-torn nation which is facing considerable revenue loss due to international teams' refusal to play there.
No international team has played in Pakistan after the 2009 Lahore terror attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team during some of the visiting players were injured in firing by terrorists.
