Pakistan cricket board restricted by government from resuming talks with India on cricket ties

The Pakistan government has restrained its cricket board from initiating discussions with their Indian counterparts the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) regarding resuming bilateral series, which have been pending for some time now. The series has been scuppered due to volatile political ties between the two countries, which saw the BCCI cancelling the series that was supposed to be played between the two countries in January.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Shahryar Khan told the Press Trust of India, that until the government gives instructions or their approval, the PCB would not indulge in dialogue or hold any discussions over the resumption of bilateral cricket ties.

"The government has made it clear to us that we are not supposed to engage in any dialogue without Indian counterparts nor give any statements on Indo-Pak cricket ties until further orders", said Khan as quoted by Firstpost.

The PCB chief hailed the appointment of Anurag Thakur as the new president of the BCCI, saying that this could help bring about a positive resolution on future Indo-Pak talks.

"Thakur to me, represents both the BCCI and their government so it will be easier talking to one person when the time comes," he said.

Despite the praise, Khan was disappointed with the BCCI over backing out of a scheduled series in January, this he said, led to a loss of revenue for the board with Pakistan even agreeing to play at a neutral venue. "We did all we could to convince them to resume bilateral ties but they didn't respond in the same manner so now even our government has put a lid on further discussions."

India and Pakistan have not played a full bilateral series since the 2008 terror attacks in Mumbai. The Men in Green although did visit India for a short goodwill tour in 2012/13.