If not bilateral series, IND-PAK can play a tri-nation series, opines Ramiz Raja
Ramiz Raja (Photo by Rana Sajid Hussain/Pacific Press/LightRocket via Getty Images)
Cricket fans are craving for an India-Pakistan series. However, the political tensions between the two countries have barred the teams from facing reach other outside global events. Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Ramiz Raja though feels that India and Pakistan can play a triangular series in future if bilateral tours are not possible.
India have not toured Pakistan since 2004-05. However, with Pakistan bagging the hosting rights of the 2025 Champions Trophy, the team will have to visit the country, but only after the approval of the government. Raja opined that it will be tough for India to pull out of the global events held in Pakistan.
“It is hard to get a bilateral series with India but tri-nation series can be held at some point,” said Ramiz in a virtual interaction with the press. “As far as the international tournaments are concerned, it is not easy to pull out. Because in that case, there is pressure. And all these things are presented to the boards and I don’t think this will happen.”
Meanwhile, India sports minister Anurag Thakur has said that the decision to allow India touring Pakistan will be taken after having a look at security arrangements, and at appropriate time. India last toured Pakistan in 2004-05 “When the time comes will see what to do. Home ministry will be involved in decision making. A lot of countries have pulled out of going to Pakistan due to security issues. Will assess the security then and decide,” Thakur told reporters.
Raja further revealed that he and BCCI President Sourav Ganguly share a good relationship and both of them are in favour of resuming the cricketing ties. However, the situation is out of their hands. “With regards to my working relationship with Sourav Ganguly, I have that. We spoke about numerous things and how can we the world cricket forward. There should be a benefit for everyone since cricketers are holding these positions and it is easier to talk since the bond is there. It won’t be easy and as long as there are political hurdles involved, things won’t move forward,” he added
