Prime Ministers Narendra Modi, Nawaz Sharif Shake Hands, Will India Play Pakistan in Sri Lanka?

The cordial handshake between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif in Paris on Monday has raised new hopes of bilateral cricket series between the subcontinental neighbours. (India vs Pakistan: BCCI Awaiting Government's Response, Says Rajeev Shukla)

Modi and Sharif met during the global summit on climate change, in Paris and analysts believe that cricket could be a medium to develop a warm relationship between the neighbours. (Board of Control for Cricket in India Unlikely to Get Government Nod to Play Pakistan in Sri Lanka)

The cricket-loving Sharif had last week given his nod for a short bilateral series between India and Pakistan in Sri Lanka in December. However, the Indian government has put the Board of Control for Cricket in India's request in the cold storage.

The centre is reportedly unwilling to give its green signal to the BCCI to resume cricketing ties with Pakistan due to political pressure from several quarters, including its allies Shiv Sena. (Shiv Sena Slams Board of Control for Cricket in India, Says Series With Pakistan is 'Honouring Ajmal Kasab')

According to the international cricket calendar, this is Pakistan's turn to host India. In recent weeks, BCCI has played hardball and refused to play Pakistan in the UAE.

Last week, the BCCI and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) agreed to play a series of five limited overs matches in Sri Lanka, subject to clearance from the government.

Javed Miandad Advises PCB to be Cautious

Meanwhile, former Pakistan captain Javed Miandad believes that the PCB should be cautious while dealing with the BCCI over the planned bilateral series in December.

"I would advise them to be very careful as the Indian board can't be trusted to keep their commitments," Miandad told PTI on Monday.

"I would say don't rush into things and start having high hopes of financial gains from the India series. The Indian board has been constantly changing its stance and it appears they are finding excuses not to play us despite their commitment in the MoU signed between the two boards," Miandad said.

"I wouldn't be surprised if they back out again from playing with us even in Sri Lanka," he added.

The veteran of 124 tests who featured in many memorable matches against India, said the BCCI was now delaying matters by insisting on getting its government clearance.

"Our government has given the clearance so what is stopping them from getting the required permission," he questioned.

'BCCI has been Disappointing'

He said the Indian board had disappointed him and the Pakistan cricket fraternity with their attitude towards playing Pakistan.

"We received a lot of love and respect whenever we played in India so this new attitude is strange to me," he stated.

He added that Pakistan had always pushed for bilateral Indo-Pak ties but the Indians had always created hurdles on one pretext or the other.

Miandad said first the Indian board seemed ready to play the series and when the PCB got the government's approval the BCCI officials started saying that they required their government's permission.

The 58-year-old said he was not sure that India would play the series as "they had always tried to let down Pakistan".

"I would advise the PCB and even the Sri Lankan cricket board to get India's consent in black and white and include a clause for financial compensation if they back out of their commitment once again," he said.

(With PTI inputs)