Cricket

PCB chief Ramiz Raja hopeful about the resumption of India-Pakistan bilateral ties

 

Newly appointed Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Ramiz Raja believes that cricketing ties with India can be improved. Although he’s aware of the difficulties of that process, he’s sure that bilateral series between the two countries can be resumed once again if ‘politics’ is kept away from the sport. The former Pakistan cricketer and commentator also added that it would involve a lot of work.

The two nations haven’t played bilateral cricket against each other since early 2013! The only time India and Pakistan collide these days is during ICC events as was the case on October 24. On that occasion, Pakistan led by Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Afridi defied history and managed to beat the Men in Blue in a World Cup match for the first time. Pakistan’s 10-wicket victory followed by another resounding win over New Zealand has made sure that they take firm control of Group 2 in the Super 12 stage.

One of the first questions Ramiz Raja was asked when he was appointed to the post of PCB chief was whether there is a possibility for India and Pakistan to resume bilateral cricket ties. A month ago he had answered, “Impossible right now. The sporting model has been spoiled by politics and right now it is a status quo and we are not in a hurry on this issue because we have to focus on our domestic and local cricket.”

However, the recent change in Raja’s remarks may have something to do with his meeting with BCCI President Sourav Ganguly and secretary Jay Shah that took place on the sidelines of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) earlier this month.

An official press release shared by PCB regarding the meeting read: “I met with BCCI President Sourav Ganguly and secretary Jay Shah on the sidelines of the ACC meetings. We need to create a cricketing bond, while I have also believed that politics should stay away from sport as much as possible and this has always been our stance.”

“A lot of work needs to be done to revitalise Pakistan-India cricket but there needs to be some comfortable level between the two boards and then we can see how far we can go. So overall, we had a good discussion.”

It also goes without saying that cricketing ties involving India and Pakistan also have their fair share of off-field controversies. Fanatic nationalism from both sides end up reducing the sport to a fierce rivalry and the aftermath of last Sunday’s match with former cricketers from both countries resorting to making distasteful remarks is a testament to the same.

 

About the Author


Written by DafaNews

DafaNews brings you the most highlighted news in the world of Sports. It serves you up-to-date matches, scores, live streams, fantasy games and quizzes. Our news covers India's prestigious leagues and events – Premier League, Pro Kabbadi League, Cricket World Cup and many more. Follow DafaNews on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,Telegram and Youtube for more updates.

Related Post
Share
Published by
DafaNews

Recent Posts

Pro Kabaddi League 2024: Jaipur Pink Panthers vs Dabang Delhi K.C. – Match Preview

The inaugural champions Jaipur Pink Panthers will take the mat against Dabang Delhi K.C. in… Read More

November 21, 2024

Robert Lewandowski recalls playing under ‘difficult’ Pep Guardiola; explains how ex-Barcelona coach changed

Barcelona’s striker Robert Lewandowski recalled how Pep Guardiola was a difficult coach to play under… Read More

November 21, 2024

Ayush Chikkara aspires to be a ‘regular’ in Mumbai City FC’s team, says doesn’t want to take any external pressure

Mumbai City FC forward Ayush Chikkara wants to find a regular place in Petr Kratky’s… Read More

November 21, 2024

Carlos Alcaraz lauds Rafael Nadal’s legacy after retirement

World No.2 Carlos Alcaraz hailed Rafael Nadal’s legacy after the veteran Spaniard retired from the… Read More

November 21, 2024

Jamshedpur FC’s defender Ashutosh Mehta credits ‘100% professional’ Khalid Jamil for having a big impact in his life

Jamshedpur FC full-back Ashutosh Mehta has given credit to head coach Khalid Jamil for playing… Read More

November 21, 2024

Lakers star LeBron James says he’s taking a break from social media

Los Angeles Lakers’s superstar LeBron James has revealed he is taking a break from social… Read More

November 21, 2024