Najam Sethi reiterates his hopes of Pakistan hosting India in UAE

The prevailing socio-political relations between the two South Asian powerhouses has brought bilateral series between both the teams to a halt and apart from a short limited-overs series in 2012, the two neighbouring countries haven’t played each other, apart from the ICC and ACC tournaments. Recently, upon PCB’s complaint, the ICC also established a tribunal to give a hearing on Pakistan’s allegation of the Indian board's contract violation under the Future Tours Programme. And while speaking to reporters after attending the International Cricket Council meeting in Kolkata, Najam Sethi was adamant that the PCB will find a resolution to the ongoing dispute.

Earlier, the ICC-appointed tribunal had informed both the boards that it would take a minimum of three days to arrive at a decision from the date the governing body of the sport receives all the necessary paperwork and documentation. And Sethi stated that the PCB’s decision against their Indian counterparts will depend on the decision arrived at by the tribunal and the Disputes Resolution Committee. 

Although cricket seems to be back in the country with a bang after Karachi hosted the Pakistan Super League final successfully and Lahore staging West Indies T20 series, cricketers from all parts of the world are yet to make up their mind to visit the nation, which has adopted a bad reputation after terrorist attack on the Sri Lankan team bus in 2009. However, Sethi maintained that security is no more an issue in the nation while adding the United Arab Emirates could be a viable alternative to host both countries. However, he has also attacked the BCCI, who have cited the lack of permission from the government as a hindrance to play against Pakistan.

“Our position is that the whole notion of a neutral venue came up when security was a consideration. For example, when the World Twenty20 was being held two years ago and I came to Kolkata, at that time one of the matches was scheduled somewhere else and we sent our security people and they discussed the matter with the ICC and the BCCI and the match was moved from there for security reasons and so we played,” he said.

“Our position is that why should you require government permission. We don’t take permission from the government. The ICC doesn’t want government interference in the affairs of cricket boards and in any case, when you were signing these contracts, if the government permission was such a major issue, you should have put it in the contract which you did not, so what is the problem?”