No room for PCB as BCCI aims to host all matches

Published
46

Pakistan and India last played each other in the AsiaCup. -Photo by AP

LAHORE: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is insisting on playing all the matches of the proposed Indo-Pak series on its own soil while the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is keen to host at least one T20 and a One-day International as negotiations between the two boards continue, well-informed sources told Dawn.

According to the Future Tours Programme (FTP), it is India’s turn to tour Pakistan because their 2009 visit here could not materialise due to strained relations between the two nations following the Mumbai attacks in November 2008.

As for the proposed Indo-Pak series, sources disclosed that the BCCI has already allotted the matches to its affiliated states and is not willing to allow PCB to host even a single match in Pakistan.

In return, however, the BCCI is offering handsome financial packages one of which include that all the media right income will be awarded to the PCB which is desperately looking to improve its financial position.

In a recent interview with Dawn, PCB Chairman Zaka Ashraf had said that the financial position of the Board could get a tremendous boost if India and other countries started touring Pakistan.

But the BCCI’s firm stand over not touring Pakistan for even one T20 and one ODI may create difficulties for the PCB who will find it hard to convince fans at home about the odd terms and conditions of the series.

That said, it will also not be easy for the PCB to turn down the lucrative financial package of the BCCI.

Sources said though the BCCI was not too keen to resume the bilateral series, it recently changed its stance after a strict reminder from their prime minister following President Asif Zardari’s visit to Delhi early last month.

Opinion

Editorial

Restructuring plans
Updated 10 Nov, 2026

Restructuring plans

It would be a much wiser move, politically speaking, to take up any debate on administrative restructuring again after the next general election.
Extreme heat
Updated 10 Nov, 2026

Extreme heat

Climate adaptation is yet to find a place in our agricultural policies.
Israel power struggle
10 Nov, 2026

Israel power struggle

A POWER struggle is emerging after last month’s elections in Israel resulted in no party securing the requisite...
Antalya agenda
Updated 09 Nov, 2026

Antalya agenda

For Pakistan, the priority should be to secure easier access to climate funds, more grants rather than debt-creating loans, and clear deadlines for financial contributions.
Beyond viewership
09 Nov, 2026

Beyond viewership

PAKISTAN has an enormous appetite for online content. According to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority, it...
Rabid Modi
Updated 09 Nov, 2026

Rabid Modi

Modi’s silence throughout his reign of fear shows his endorsement of hate.