'Problem Lies On...': Ex-PCB Chairman Says BCCI Never Refused To Play Against Pakistan

Ex-Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Tauqir Zia claimed that the Board Of Control For Cricket In India (BCCI) never refused to play against Pakistan.

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Source : AFP

New Delhi: The cricket match between India and Pakistan is one of the most awaited clashes in any multi-nation tournament. For the past several years, bilateral series between arch-rivals India and Pakistan is not being played due to ongoing political tensions between the two nations. India plays against Pakistan in multinational tournaments only. The last time Indian cricket team played a bilateral series against Pakistan was in the year 2012.

Speaking to Cricket Pakistan, ex-Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Tauqir Zia claimed that the Board Of Control For Cricket In India (BCCI) never refused to play against Pakistan and problem lies on "government-to-government level."

"BCCI has never refused to play against us [Pakistan]. The problem lies on the government-to-government level. Both cricketing boards are currently run by former cricketers who understand the importance of Pakistan-India matches. Sourav Ganguly and Ramiz Raja both want to promote cricket and there is nothing better than seeing a contest between these rivals," said Tauqir.

Tauqir also opined on Ramiz Raja's four-nation tournament idea that was rejected by ICC in a meeting, last month. The four nations included Australia, England, India, and Pakistan.

"Although the four-nation series was a great idea there are already so many franchise-model tournaments happening throughout the year. Because of this, I do not think there will be enough room left to gather the four nations in one timeframe," he said.

The last time Pakistan clashed against India was in the 2021 T20 World Cup where Men in Green crushed Virat Kohli & Co. by 10 wickets.