Newly-appointed PCB chairperson reveals board’s stance over Indo-Pak cricket relations
India vs Pakistan (Image Credit: Twitter)
Pakistan Cricket Board has replaced Ramiz Raja as its chairperson. He has been replaced by Najam Sethi, who has previously been in the same position. From 2013 to 2018, Sethi was the PCB chief. A political journalist by profession, Sethi resigned after the change in government in his country in 2018. Meanwhile, after being reinstated, the Friday Times was asked about India-Pakistan cricketing ties.
To which, the 74-year-old replied by saying that governments in both countries will be consulted over the matter. Apparently, both Asian giants haven’t played bilateral since the limited-overs series in 2012-13. Since then, both teams have played each other in World Events and Asia Cups.
“Governments in both countries have to be consulted when it comes to bilateral and other cricket relations between Pakistan and India,” Sethi told reporters in Lahore.
Najam Sethi’s and Ramiz Raja’s stance on the matter has a stark difference
In the last few months, former PCB chairperson Ramiz Raja had a stern stance over boycotting the 2023 ODI World Cup. Apparently, the Indian Cricket Board secretary and Asian Cricket Council, Jay Shah, expressed his desire to move Asia Cup 2023 out of Pakistan. He cited security issues. In reply, Raja had threatened to pull his national side out of the ODI World Cup.
However, during the England series, the 1992 World Cup winner admitted that the PCB doesn’t want to boycott the World Cup. He cited the fans’ sentiments for giving such statements. On the other hand, Sethi has said that playing against India will depend on decisions made by both governments. Notably, Sethi had an ugly altercation with the Indian Cricket Board. Way back in late 2015, India denied playing Pakistan citing not getting permission from the Government of India.
After this, Najam-led PCB decided to sue the Indian board. However, the PCB lost the case as they failed to remember one clause that clearly stated ‘series depends on governments permission’. The board had to pay a hefty fine.
