Asia Cup good show would lead to more ties against India: PCB

Lahore: Elated after Pakistan`s triumph over India in the ongoing Asia Cup, PCB chairman Najam Sethi said the team`s continued success would help ensure more bilateral opportunities against the traditional foes and guarantee a steady flow of revenue.

After Pakistan`s thrilling one-wicket win over India in the Asia Cup that Sunday`s victory was significant in many ways after the recent changes in governance and distribution of income in the ICC. "The victory is good for us because it now puts us in a position where we can push the Indian cricket officials to play more often with us and also it will ensure that we get matches against top sides in the new FTP over the next cycle of eight years," he said. Sethi pointed out that after the changes in governance and revenue distribution, the teams that do well at the top level will be the most sought after by other boards and countries. "If our team is doing well it means a steady flow of revenues for the PCB through broadcasting rights, ICC share and sponsorship and when I met with the players before the India match I told them these very things. "I told them if they continue to do well and improve their rankings and standing then other boards including the Indians will want to play against us and our revenue generation will increase," he said. "I told the players the world takes notice when you win such high profile games like the one against India. I have told the players if the board`s income increases the major chunk will be passed on to them in their contracts and in reorganising and strengthening our domestic cricket and players," Sethi added on PTV channel. Sethi said he was very pleased with the way Pakistan had won a tight encounter. "It shows this team has character and I tell you the talent we have we can beat any side in the world. Because no matter how much money a board has unless its team is not doing well and is not a top ranked side," he said. Sethi further said he was keen on seeing Pakistan and India resume regular bilateral ties. "I think after watching the interest generated by this match all over the world there is no doubt that Indo-Pak matches are even bigger than the Ashes." The PCB chief said that even his counterpart in the Indian board, N Srinivasan, had agreed that Indo-Pak matches were a bigger spectacle than the Ashes. "That is why we believe that time is not far way when we will be playing regular bilateral cricket with India." Sethi also said that even India, Australia and England had recognised Pakistan`s standing as a cricket nation and had offered them a fourth position in distribution of the ICC event revenues under the new governance system. "I don`t think anyone can ever ignore Pakistan cricket because our team today showed it is a top billed side in world cricket. When we meet on the sidelines of the ICC T20 World Cup in Bangladesh next month there will be formal discussions with the Indian board on the state of our ties."