ICC's Pakistan Task Team recommends resumption of Indo-Pak series

The ICC's Pakistan Task Team (PTT) has recommended the resumption of Indo-Pak bilateral cricket ties and overhaul in the PCB's administrative set-up and selection policy.

The PTT, which presented its 38-page report during the annual conference of the game's governing body in Hong Kong last week, urged the governments of both sides to restore this iconic series as soon as possible, even if on neutral soil. The report said that the absence of Indo-Pak cricket is hurting the sport.

"The absence of the traditional bilateral series between Pakistan and India from the international cricket calendar is denying millions of cricket loving fans across the world from enjoying an iconic series," the report said.

"It is also hurting the sport, particularly in Pakistan and the PTT sees no reason why this great sporting rivalry should not be restored as soon as possible, even if on neutral soil," it added.

The arch-rivals have not played in a bilateral series since Pakistan toured India in 2007. The relations between the two neighbours strained after the Mumbai terrorist attack in November 2008, resulting in India declining to tour Pakistan.

As per the ICC's Future Tours Programme, Pakistan are scheduled to tour India for three Tests and five ODIs in March-April next year.

The PTT, chaired by England's Giles Clarke, also recommended that the undue interference of the government in the functioning of the PCB must come to an end and more stability in the composition of selection committee is necessary when it comes to selecting the national squad.

In the present system, the PCB chairman is appointed by the country's president. "There must be stability in the composition of selection committee. The chairman's right of veto on the selection of players should be removed," the PTT said.

Presently 45 players are centrally contracted with the PCB, including 30 in category A, B and C, with 15 receiving monthly stipends. The PTT has recommended reducing contracted players to 25 plus 10 on stipends.

The PTT was formed in 2009 with a view to develop international cricket in the strife-torn country after the deadly attack on the Sri Lankan team bus in Lahore in March that year.