Doubts still linger over fate of Pakistan-India cricket series
November 23, 2015
Indian and Pakistani media were expecting a decision to be announced later today at a press conference at the International Cricket Council (ICC) headquarters in Dubai on whether or not a shortened series will be staged next month at the neutral venue of Sri Lanka.
The heads of the Pakistani and Indian cricket boards had what both of them termed a ‘fruitful' meeting at the International Cricket Council (ICC) headquarters in Dubai on Sunday.
But England and Wales Cricket Board president Giles Clarke – who has been acting as a mediator between the two boards and was expected to make the announcement – departed for London on Monday.
The ICC confirmed that no press conference was being held at its Dubai headquarters today, casting a dark shadow over the fate of the much-anticipated series between the two teams.
Indian media also reported earlier today that Sri Lanka had been all but finalised as the neutral venue and that the series is expected to be held there from December 20 to January 3.
But, with his departure for the UK, all eyes and ears now await Clarke's press conference which sources say may be held in a few days.
Meanwhile, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Shahryar Khan and PCB Executive Committee chairman Najam Sethi have also returned to Pakistan after talks in Dubai.
According to sources, Khan is expected to take the high-level Pakistani government officials into confidence over details regarding the series. The fate of the series is also dependent on a green signal from the Pakistani government.
Pakistan and India have not played a bilateral series since 2007. Cricketing ties were stalled in the aftermath of 2008 terrorists' attacks in Mumbai.
Under a Memorandum of Understanding signed by the two countries, both the boards had agreed to play six series between 2015 and 2023, with four series to be hosted by Pakistan. All series were subject to clearance from the respective governments.
