India-Pakistan cricket series: Who said what!

The series isn't likely to happen anymore.

New Delhi: The highly awaited India-Pakistan series is still in a limbo. The Indian government is yet to give a green signal for the series to take place this month.

Since the MOU had been signed between the two nations, a lot of talks have been going on between these two nations. It was decided last month that a proposed series will take place in Sri Lanka as the Pakistan government and its cricket board gave its nod.

The BCCI meanwhile too backed the series after a lot of talks in between and just when it looked possible, the Indian government hasn't yet made a decision.

According to a report in the Hindustan Times on Friday, a senior BCCI official stated that the proposed series might not take place any more due to the government not in favor of granting permission.

Let's have a look at who said what regarding the series.

ANURAG THAKUR (BCCI secretary)

“So I think you have to decide diplomatically what call to take. If you engage (with Pakistan), then you can raise the issue of terrorism as well as cricket as well as trade. But if you don’t engage, you give that opportunity to someone else.”

SARBANANDA SONOWAL (Sports minister)

"Whatever initiative the BCCI is taking, it needs to be supported by us. The BCCI has always been taking the initiatives for the promotion of games and also for the promotion of relationship.”

NARINDER BATRA (Hockey India chief)

"Colonel Santosh Mahadik was martyred only a week ago and BCCI wants to play cricket with Pakistan. I am appalled at BCCI's change of stance. They (BCCI) were thinking differently as recent as July with Anurag Thakur ruling out ties with Pakistan until terrorism stops.”

SHAHID AFRIDI (Pakistan cricketer)

"It will be a matter of great happiness if India comes to Pakistan in this difficult time, support Pakistan and play there.”

NAJIM SETHI (PCB official)

"PCB & BCCI officials had a fruitful discussion in ICC office Dubai facilitated by ECB's Giles Clarke who will field all questions in matter.”

RAJEEV SHUKLA (IPL Chairman)

“I am optimistic that the government will give the go-ahead to us. Both the parties (Boards) have agreed for Sri Lanka as a venue. The whole idea is to resume cricket between the two countries.”

SUNIL GAVASKAR (Former India skipper)

“I think to solve any problem people need to talk, unless you talk to each other there is no solution of problems so that is the first step.”

SACHIN TENDULKAR (Former India cricketer)

“I think that the relations (between India and Pakistan) need to improve. If the governments feel that this (cricket) is the ideal way to move forward and the (cricket) boards (feel so), I do not see any reason why we should not play.”