BCCI Invites Pakistan Team for Champions League T20: Reports
BCCI, keen to improve bilateral cricket relations with Pakistan, will also play Test cricket with their arch-rivals according to an ICC agreement.
With the Indian Cricket Board (BCCI) keen on improving cricket relationship with its Pakistani counterparts, Lahore Lions could be seen in action in the Champions League T20 later this year. According to a report in the Express Tribune, the BCCI has invited a team for this year's tournament scheduled in September. (BCCI not sitting on pots of money: N Srinivasan)
The Champions League T20 in the international extension of the Indian Premier League where top teams from Australia, England, South Africa, New Zealand and Sri Lanka participate. Pakistani teams - Sialkot Stallions and Faisalabad Wolves - have earlier taken part in the CLT20. Pakistani players are not allowed to play in IPL due to visa problems. (Shahid Afridi's T20 charity match postponed due to stadium renovation)
This year's Champions League T20 is expected to be held in India but UAE may also host matches. The first leg of this year's IPL was held in UAE because the matches clashed with India's general elections. (Umar Akmal file damages suit against traffic warden)
According to the Tribune, Lahore Lions will represent Pakistan by virtue of being the national T20 champions. (Teen female cricketer dies under mysterious circumstances)
"PCB Chief Operating Officer Subhan Ahmed has received the (BCCI) invitation and the Board will reply to it officially after consulting chairman Najam Sethi," revealed a PCB official, Tribune said.
India and Pakistan are expected to play a series of Tests, ODIs and T20s in the new ICC Future Tours Programme cycle starting 2015. UAE will be Pakistan's 'home' since international teams do not travel to the strife-torn nation since the terrorist attack on Sri Lankan players in Lahore in March 2009.