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ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has permitted the Pakistani cricket team to play a series against India in Sri Lanka next month, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) sources said on Thursday.
According to a source in the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), the prime minister gave his approval for the India series only after Sri Lanka was finalised as the venue for the fixtures.
"The Pakistan government never had a problem with the series going ahead. It only had reservations about the team travelling to India amid the prevailing tensions," the source said.
Indian Premier League Chairman and BCCI functionary Rajeev Shukla told reporters the series is likely to happen from December 15 in Sri Lanka, IBNLive reported.
"India-Pakistan series will happen tentatively from December 15 in Sri Lanka," he said.
Pakistan and India's cricket boards have been deadlocked for months on a venue for the series. India had refused to play in the United Arab Emirates and Pakistan rejected the Indian board's proposal to play the series in India.
Giles Clarke, who heads International Cricket Council's Pakistan Task Force, organised a meeting in Dubai between the heads of two cricket boards last week where Sri Lanka was chosen as the venue.
ESPNcricinfo on Wednesday reported that both the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the PCB confirmed they had written to their respective government's for clearance for the tour.
The series, comprising three ODIs and two T20s, is expected to kick off on December 20, most likely in Pallekele or Colombo.
"PCB can benefit from the Indo-Pak series in Sri Lanka by earning up to Rs3 billion ahead of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) in February next year," a source earlier said.
Pakistan and India have not played a bilateral series since 2007.
Under the Memorandum of Understanding both the boards had agreed in 2014, six series were scheduled between 2015 and 2023, with four series to be hosted by Pakistan.
But all series were subject to clearance from the respective governments.
The December-January series comprises two Tests, five One-day Internationals and two Twenty20 Internationals but with time running out the series is likely to be shortened to limited over matches.
A meeting between the newly-elected BCCI president Shashank Manohar and the PCB's Shaharyar Khan was held in Dubai earlier this week to break the deadlock on the holding of a bilateral cricket series between the two sides.
Both and India and Pakistan have voiced reluctance at playing the series at each other's home.
According to an International Cricket Council (ICC) schedule, Pakistan were to host India in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for a full tour comprising two Tests, five ODIs and two T20Is later this year.
But India had ruled out the option of playing in the UAE despite Pakistan's insistence. Pakistan has been hosting teams in the UAE for years due to security threats in its own territory, but so far India has not made clear the reason for its reluctance to play there.
Manohar had said, "We want to play in India. That is the thing."
The PCB chief, however, had maintained his team would not travel to India and would play the series in the UAE, as agreed under the MoU signed last year.
Khan had said a final decision on the series will only be taken by the Pakistani government.
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On DawnNews
Comments (98) Closed
Nov 26, 2015 02:52pm
I still don't understand why India would not play in UAE? I think they know they will lose badly .
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Nov 26, 2015 03:08pm
All that begging and pleading by Sherhyar and Sethi finally bears some bitter tasting fruit.
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Nov 26, 2015 03:10pm
simple.. betting issues...mafia has a big presence in UAE
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Nov 26, 2015 03:11pm
disgusting,should never play India, the Indians think they can do as they please, all the corrupt government officials are scared of saying No
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Nov 26, 2015 03:11pm
@SAMI do you really think PAK can win ODI even in UAE after seeing ENG series? yes, Pak is better in test matches but in ODI they are worse than BAN.
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Nov 26, 2015 03:13pm
Who will be broadcasting it? Ten sports or Star?
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Nov 26, 2015 03:13pm
I hope concern of Kashmiris and Kashmir issue won't get sidelined in cricket mania
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Nov 26, 2015 03:16pm
Approval from Pakistan doesn't matter, it all depends on GOI
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Nov 26, 2015 03:22pm
He'll take 95% of the money PCB will earn from this, of course he'll give all the lights!!!!
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Nov 26, 2015 03:23pm
Even though there are tons of Indians in UAE.
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Nov 26, 2015 03:33pm
To be honest, there will be no favorites. Pak vs Ind is a different pressure game all together and only team that can sustain it on match day better will be the winner. Several times in the past we have seen the 'favorites'succumbing to pressure, tasting defeat. Whether UAE or SL or anywhere for that matter, Cricket between Ind Pak will rarely go as predicted.
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Nov 26, 2015 03:36pm
Money earned from the series will be used for the new Pink line metro service from Shahi Mohalla to Rai Wind.
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Nov 26, 2015 03:36pm
it's a good decision,fun and sports have boundries,it will bring closer the both hi
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Nov 26, 2015 03:39pm
@Sami If Pakistani team is so good then it should be able to win in any part of the World...
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Nov 26, 2015 03:40pm
so this is a odi and t20 series, I hear the tests will be played in England after the England v Pak series.
Can someone confirm?
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Nov 26, 2015 03:40pm
@Iliyas Kashmiri Don't worry, Kashmir will be resolved as per aspirations of Kashmiris and the freedom movement is gaining more strength day by day, eviction of occupying forces is near ,Inshallah .
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Nov 26, 2015 03:40pm
Only an odi series..Pakistan should turn it down straight away they are a joke in odis and to be honest test team has flaws as well. Who cares about this series anyway Pakistan always loses to India in the only odi tournament of any value or prestige, which is the world cup. All of this just to get three odis, is a bit insulting to any team.
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Nov 26, 2015 03:41pm
Good decision...the game of cricket should go on .All what can happen in UAE can be done in Sri Lanka also...I think India just wanted to keep up with their wish of not playing in UAE and proposed Sri Lanka to show that they have made Pakistan agree on their terms...What is important is that these series bring peace and stability to the region and Pakistan India start solving their problems on the table...and play more cricket..
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Nov 26, 2015 03:41pm
@SDA We will always support Pakistan be it in UAE or India.
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Nov 26, 2015 03:42pm
@kash Yes I confirm.
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Nov 26, 2015 03:45pm
its a good decision,fun,art and sports have no boundaries,it will bring closer the both neighbours,which will prove helpful to develop understanding between the corresponding boards as well as among the mass of the both countries.
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Nov 26, 2015 03:51pm
@Sami India is yet to declare official to play or not first, with Pakistan, on 27th November, 2015. And I think, the BJP government will not give nod to play.
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Nov 26, 2015 03:52pm
@ash India has reasons not to play with Pakistan, and every one knows that, and it has been told several times.
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Nov 26, 2015 03:53pm
Why isn't the media pressing the BCCI for the reasons not to play in the UAE? For Manohar to just say " we want to play in India" sounds childish
BCCI man up and give the real reasons why you don't want to play in the UAE - The Indian Community living in the UAE who have always supported your team have the right to know why they are being side-lined!
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Nov 26, 2015 03:54pm
Modi Govt should not give permission for this cricket series. Today is 26 nov, 7 years have been passed after Mumbai attack. Pakistan didnt punished a single person.
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Nov 26, 2015 03:56pm
@SOS very true
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Nov 26, 2015 03:59pm
@Zak You bring peace to my mind and bright hope for the future amid dark threatening clouds ,you words shine as light from heaven, thanks for your heart warming words.
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Nov 26, 2015 04:01pm
I will be very very surprised if Govt of India gives a go ahead.
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Nov 26, 2015 04:08pm
Good to know that a series at last is being played with all the drama surrounding it. But what I don't understand now is, why r some bigots still worried bout where it's played. UAE or srilanka how does it matter. It's being played now be happy. Till yesterday y'all were bashing PCB, for a change talk good bout them.
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Nov 26, 2015 04:09pm
@Sami I still don't understand why India would not play in UAE? I think they know they will lose badly
I domt think u have ever playes any sports, bec a good team will win anywhere, if Pakistan is a better team it will beat india anywhere even sri lanka, why only UAE
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Nov 26, 2015 04:13pm
@Nitin - "simple" only for you! If you read Osman Samiuddin article, you will see how wrong you are:
http://www.espncricinfo.com/magazine/content/story/943809.html
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Nov 26, 2015 04:15pm
@indian muslim -- We will support India be it UAE or Pakistan or India or Moon !
ET B FAIR !
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Nov 26, 2015 04:21pm
@Pakistani Hindu Quaid was right, Hindus and Muslims are two nations and cannot live together, Thank you Jinnah for creating Pakistan.
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Nov 26, 2015 04:22pm
Just as well the encounters will be on neutral territory and not on pitches such as the disgrace offered up as a Test pitch in Nagpur. A Test match decided in two days is surely a new low in doctoring home-town advantage!
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Nov 26, 2015 04:24pm
WHY WHY WHY ?? Why do Pakistan always have to give in to INDIAN PLANS ..Does Pakistan have some SELF RESPECT left..cricket will not end in Pakistan or anywhere else ..just for once PCB should give self respect priority to MONEY..please..
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Nov 26, 2015 04:24pm
@ash I think Indians feel the same away as you and have no interest in playing with you. Most probably the GOI will not agree to the series.
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Nov 26, 2015 04:25pm
@Aamir Raza Its too early to celebrate as the GOI has not agreed to the series yet.
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Nov 26, 2015 04:27pm
If the indian govt or BCCI still refuse to play against pakistan it will be a tight slap on the faces of Pak govt and PCB .
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Nov 26, 2015 04:29pm
@Fardin Because India has the power and money , that's why and Indian audience generate that huge cash output .
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Nov 26, 2015 04:29pm
Dear Pakistani friends Its money only which is behind all these decisions. India ( BCCI ) has offered an handsome share from revenue of the series which we i.e. common people from both side will watch. Maximum revenue can't be generated if played in U.A.E. ( Expenses are high there ). So this series is organised in SA . So that both the parties get good money. Ultimately PM Nawaz has to take this decision . Money is the thing which both side cricket boards need desperately.
So don't bother and enjoy ..
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Nov 26, 2015 04:31pm
Good God, green signal is for the tour not for another metro............. for a change he is using color marks for something else rather than a metro.
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Nov 26, 2015 04:32pm
Extremely unfortunate that we are succumbing to the bullying for the sake of few million dollars. What happened to self respect?
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Nov 26, 2015 04:38pm
@Anon - if you govt is not busy with humiliating Muslims then of course we should see their reply.
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Nov 26, 2015 04:39pm
Losing 10 off last 12 series and still talking rubbish, huh?
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Nov 26, 2015 04:42pm
@Timetostopthis - Do you know something that we don't about GOI?
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Nov 26, 2015 04:43pm
crupption and cruppt office bearer of PCB won. How they gone a make with this series?
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Nov 26, 2015 04:45pm
Even PM will be ready to send Pakistan cricket team to Mars to play with India!
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Nov 26, 2015 04:53pm
Srilanka, UAE, Pakistan - does not matter. We will defeat them anywhere. Keep room for 'Kohli's Koftas' in December (with TURKA)
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Nov 26, 2015 04:54pm
Congratulation to PCB for making India play the cricket series. After this decision by the BCCI and Indian government to play against Pakistan the BCCI and the Indian government has lost its reputation in the eyes of the people of India post 26/11 Mumbai attacks.
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Nov 26, 2015 04:57pm
@Sami because UAE is heaven of bookies and underworld.
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Nov 26, 2015 05:01pm
@Sami Betting Mafia in UAE
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Nov 26, 2015 05:01pm
@Harmony-1© And you think you know about GOI batter than Indians? Series will go on but for the last time.
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Nov 26, 2015 05:02pm
@Zak All the best as we have been saying for 60 years
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Nov 26, 2015 05:03pm
@YOUKNOWIMRIGHT still better than playing home series away from home. BTW it has gone into 3rd day.
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Nov 26, 2015 05:04pm
What a pity ...Pakistan v India ..in Sri Lanka ..EMPTY stadiums..feel sorry for spectators of both countries ..PCB has chosen for Money ..what a shame..
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Nov 26, 2015 05:05pm
@YOUKNOWIMRIGHT A low is abandoning match and later forcing ICC to change decision from lost to a draw. Remember Inzi? Case of glasshouse.
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Nov 26, 2015 05:17pm
@Justice - No I don't, that's why I asked...duh! And in your wishful thinking you think you are the Government to claim it's "for the last time"!!!
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Nov 26, 2015 05:21pm
Our PM has a special soft corner for India.He will say yes to anything to please India even at the cost of national integrity.
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Nov 26, 2015 05:26pm
@Anon, What if GOI said OK and GOP said no?
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Nov 26, 2015 05:31pm
Then we were not going to play India under any circumstances. So much for national honor
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Nov 26, 2015 05:40pm
PML (N) and it's extension in PCB namely shaharyar and Sethi are he'll bend on destroying Pakistan national interests it seems. There should have been no negotiations of any kind as to where Pakistan play it's home serious. These treacherous moves by PCB hierarchy and PML (n) are being noted with great concern by Pakistanis.
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Nov 26, 2015 05:40pm
@Murtaza : Still its a distant cry. I think there is even chance for yes & no.
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Nov 26, 2015 05:42pm
@Sami the umpires have historically had a record of dubious umpiring plus being the erstwhile residence of Dawood results are a foregone conclusion
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Nov 26, 2015 05:46pm
No one can deny this is good for the game of Cricket. While India has been reluctant to play Pakistan due to 'certain reasons', the same reasons could have been Pakistan's reasons not to play India. Credit needs to be given to Pakistan in taking this decision and trying to keep the game, which we all love dearly, above politics. One would hope India reciprocates in kind and crowds from both countries can mingle, cheer for their teams and once again feel the magic this sport can bring to both nations.
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Nov 26, 2015 06:04pm
Yesterday I saw the India-Australia series ad on the star sports network... Now there'll be India-Pakistan... Good change.
I'm excited!
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Nov 26, 2015 06:08pm
@Iliyas Kashmiri This is the problem with you guys. Once again talking politics in cricket. Stop it. The time has come for the legendary warriors to entertain us with their class act. Looking forward to see the sweet 'Gentle Giant' Irfan challenging the Indian swashbucklers. Shoaib Malik is going to be the threat as he fights against his wife's country. Overall, its a treat for both our countries. 'Stop Fight..... Start Cricket'
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Nov 26, 2015 06:08pm
i couldn't find Ishaq Dar's name in PM's green signal for this money making tour. strange.... oh I forgot to see Sethi is there to protect and act like Dar in cricketing affairs.
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Nov 26, 2015 06:17pm
@Common man Credit goes to PAK?? Yeah always, after all revenue is what everyone wants and so change stance and support BIG 3 for the MoU.
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Nov 26, 2015 06:19pm
Not at all surprised. Business comes before national respect. Shahryar has all the qualities and it is for these qualities he was chosen CHAIRMAN PCB by Nawaz Sharif. I have never seen a dispensation that drives the dignity of a nation down the drain.I hope people don't see it again.
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Nov 26, 2015 06:26pm
@indian muslim - hey dude, did someone asked you not to do this ?
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Nov 26, 2015 06:35pm
Sri Lanka has a tough job ahead....security concerns....anyways I am heading to Lanka....I will be nice
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Nov 26, 2015 07:05pm
@Harmony-1© A lot
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Nov 26, 2015 07:13pm
Why People in this subcontinent go GaGa when supporting opponent team?! Why Indians or Pakistanis forget that, our people living in Europe or Australia living for generation and they still support their beloved country and people of those country don't go for riot! People of this sub-continent are ABSOLUTELY HYPOCRITES when things come to them! It's just a game... Support whoever you want and Go back to work next day!! GROW UP!
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Nov 26, 2015 07:15pm
Series must be in UAE, Otherwise bye bye
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Nov 26, 2015 07:54pm
It is a proposal from India and must be a balancing act against the current wave of secular unrest.
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Nov 26, 2015 08:13pm
PM Sharif should have never the green light, change the green light back to red.
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Nov 26, 2015 08:41pm
@Sheikh Tahseen It's been already decided. Watch your PSL there in UAE.
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Nov 26, 2015 08:58pm
India Give also a green signal i saw in a Cricbuzz.
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Nov 26, 2015 09:06pm
@nitin you think bombay isn't?
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Nov 26, 2015 09:10pm
DOnt please!
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Nov 26, 2015 09:23pm
Take my word, this series is not going to take place.
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Nov 26, 2015 10:08pm
@Fardin SriLank is just half hour flight from Indias south airports Chennai, Coimbatore, Kochi, Travendrum, Kozhikode... lot of Indian expected to travel
C
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Nov 26, 2015 11:19pm
should have played in UAE...SL is too rain prone and 1-2 matches will surely be washed out...In UAE there in no chance of rain
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Nov 26, 2015 11:24pm
It takes two hands to clap. He should call Modi now.
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Nov 26, 2015 11:54pm
@nitin and Mafia is not there in India which is home ground of bookies?
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Nov 27, 2015 12:45am
what incompetent PM he is. he has fail to establish peace in the city by arresting criminal starting 1st with his own party. PM of Pakistan telling Pakistan national team to play in other country because he can not implement policies and Law with incompetent law making team under his cabinet. what is he gonna allow next to move business , hospitals and educations institution to move to other countries because his government can not provide security
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Nov 27, 2015 01:02am
Sri Lanka killed thousands tamales, and world believe it is a safe country?
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Nov 27, 2015 01:04am
@SDA , Dubai is second home of indian
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Nov 27, 2015 01:10am
@Raj , India when Modi is our PM should never play with Pakistan
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Nov 27, 2015 01:27am
@Valar Morgulis bro I wish Pakistan plays well but looking at the captain and the team doesn't seem working well.
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Nov 27, 2015 02:14am
@Sunil India only has exuses not to play, It does not have a reason not to play. If you has reasons not play, why sign a mou? Daft if you ask me. Reasons dont change but excuses have. If you had a reason why play even in Sri Lanka..Lol just excuses. BCCI = bla, bla, bla. We have money bla,bla,bla. We are Indian bla, bla, bla. We are important, bla,bla. We are the best, bla, bla,bla. BCCI behaviour means you are none of the above only bla, bla, bla. zzzzzz boring.
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Nov 27, 2015 10:25am
An unwanted and unliked series forced to take place due to legal issues.
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Nov 27, 2015 11:06am
This controversy has helped establish one very important and relevant fact; Nawaz Sharif and the People of Pakistan have divergent opinions. This is dangerous for the security of the country. Therefore either he should resign or the Parliament should debate and remove him.
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Nov 28, 2015 07:33pm
@Valar Morgulis
India is more likely to win when playing at home. Crowd cheering India tend to generate pressure on the Team Pak. In that way perhaps Sri Lanka would prove a good venue for both teams with Spectators being a little more generous to Pakistanis. Still there will be lot of cheering for the Indians too.
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Nov 28, 2015 08:08pm
@Nikesh
A good team wins as well as looses no matter who and where they play. Best team is one who wins most matches against any other team at any venue. Australians have been good at being the best side, until now I guess!
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Nov 28, 2015 10:43pm
@timetostopthis
How it is a matter of unilateral celebration. Indian mindset will be hard to reform. Why do not you lead an procession demanding your PM not to approve. Pakistan has plenty of other sides to play. It is about time that you guys get your perception right.
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Nov 28, 2015 10:56pm
@razia
I will not take that argument. What has sport to do with power or money. When two teams play the revenue is shared...so where lies the problem. If they have power to refuse to play we too have power to refuse. In my view the PCB has not played its cards right. When Sheheryar was invited by the BCCI(assuming there was an invitation) they should have unerstood from the language and unless the Indian appeared honest they should have ignored the invitation.
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Nov 29, 2015 07:18am
@nitin Betting mafia has a much bigger presence in India than in UAE.
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