IND-PAK SHOULD PLAY MORE OFTEN : BOYCOTT

Former England great Geoffrey Boycott has hinted that India's financial muscle in world cricket allows them the liberty to dictate the international calendar. The Board of Control for cricket India, one of the richest sport bodies in the world, is currently in discussion with the Pakistan Cricket Board for a short series in December.

A series between India and Pakistan depends on many factors. The political relationship between the arch-rivals has a direct impact on sport and cricket tours are subject to clearance from the governments.(Pakistan Refuses to Play Home Series in India)



According to the International Cricket Council calendar, India were committed to play a full bilateral series with Pakistan in December, but BCCI will probably agree to a shorter limited overs series in a 'neutral' land of their choice - reportedly Sri Lanka. Pakistan usually play their 'home' matches in the UAE.

Boycott, who was involved with coaching in Pakistan in 2001, said India can easily ignore PCB because the BCCI's coffers were strong enough to forego a series with their western neighbours.

"Because of the strength of the Indian economy, the population and interest levels for the game, the BCCI makes a lot of money. Everyone wants to play India because they themselves will make a lot of money through advertising. However the BCCI doesn't need Pakistan," Boycott told PakPassion.net.

"From a cricketing point of view it would be wonderful to see Pakistan and India playing each other as the series is like England and Australia. It's unfortunate that series between Pakistan and India are so few and far between," Boycott added.

India have repeatedly blamed Pakistan for promoting cross-border terrorism. The BCCI secretary Anurag Thakur, a BJP MP, had categorically turned down a series with Pakistan but India's mood changed after Shashank Manohar became Board chief in October.

Manohar is keen to honour India's commitment to the ICC and spoke to PCB chairman Shahryar Khan in Dubai this weekend to revive the series. Both Boards have approached their respective governments.

"But I don't see India changing their mind very easily as they believe they are alright and don't need series against Pakistan. But it's not good for cricket that India and Pakistan are not playing against each other," Boycott said.

© cricketonline.org

written by ~ CHARITHARDHA