India vs Pakistan: BCCI Hopeful of Positive Steps Towards Resumption of Bilateral Cricket

The Board of Cricket for India on Sunday stated that it is committed to explore the possibility of India vs Pakistan bilateral cricket resuming. In a release after a meeting between chiefs of the two boards - Jagmohan Dalmiya of BCCI and Shahryar Khan of Pakistan Cricket Board, BCCI secretary Anurag Thakur explained that 'appropriate steps' would be taken to consider the possibility of the two rivals facing off against each other.

PCB chief Shahryar Khan met Dalmiya in Kolkata on Sunday and claimed that his board was ready to host India in UAE this December. Although BCCI did not go to the extent of confirming a schedule, it felt that a series was 'desirable.'

"After proactive discussions, since there are certain matters that need to be addressed and considered, it was decided to take appropriate steps," read the official release. "Regarding the resumption of bilateral cricket ties, it was felt that it is desirable to recommence such cricket contact."

India and Pakistan have not played bilateral cricket since 2012. Political tensions between the two countries have kept the cricket teams away from each other. The added international boycott against playing in Pakistan - due to security fears - has hit the country hard with Zimbabwe only recently agreeing to tour the nation. While other Test-playing nations - including India - continue to remain wary of touring Pakistan, UAE will continue to be a viable option as it has hosted several international matches on behalf of 'hosts' Pakistan. "Let me tell you the India-Pak series is more important than any series in world cricket," Shahryar Khan told reporters on Sunday. "It is even more important than the Ashes." (Read full report here)

Full BCCI statement:

There was a courtesy meeting held between The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) President, Mr. Jagmohan Dalmiya and Mr. Shaharyar M. Khan, Chairman, Pakistan Cricket Board, in Kolkata today, at Mr. Dalmiya's residence.

The PCB Chairman personally congratulated Mr. Dalmiya on his becoming the President, BCCI, and recalled how cricketing relations had blossomed when they were the heads of their respective boards earlier.

Regarding the resumption of bilateral cricket ties, it was felt that it is desirable to recommence such cricket contact.

After proactive discussions, since there are certain matters that need to be addressed and considered, it was decided to take appropriate steps. The two Boards would be in regular touch and review the situation.

Both Mr. Dalmiya and Mr. Khan were hopeful that positive results would emerge from these discussions.

Anurag Thakur

Hony. Secretary

BCCI