Wasim Khan reveals Pakistan closer than ever to resume bilateral ties with India

Wasim Khan has now been with the PCB for six months and has stated that the Board has done its best to maintain good relations with its neighbouring countries. Archrivals Pakistan and India share a fierce history but political tension has kept the two from touring each other for 12 years now. The two last played a bilateral series in 2007 and since then, there have been talks of resuming cricketing ties between the two nations but nothing conclusive has been agreed upon yet.

“Unfortunately bilateral cricket ties between the two countries is governed and influenced by political and diplomatic ties. But we are hopeful that things are moving in the right direction now,” Khan said to the press in Lahore, reported Scroll.in.

The two countries have met many times over the last decades in ICC and Asian tournaments. They have played each other in each of the last three ICC World Cups and even played a Champions Trophy final two years ago. 

“I think we will see ice melt in coming months and progress being made now. It is important for both countries to have regular bilateral cricket ties,” Khan added.

The first signs of India trying to improve relations came when ICC President Shashank Manohar favoured the appointment of PCB Chairman Ehsan Mani as ICC’s Finance and Commercial Affairs Committee’s head.

“Another indicator came at the last Asian Cricket Council meeting when India delegates supported giving hosting rights to Pakistan for next year’s Asia Cup T20 event,” Khan revealed.

Wasim also stated that the BCCI has asked the Indian government for permission to host the Green Army’s women’s team in October as a part of the ICC Women’s Cricket Championship. With India and Pakistan not scheduled to play each other in the ICC World Test Championships, it could be at least a couple more years before they play each other in a proper series.