PCB seeks Zaheer Abbas assistance for India series

Karachi: Encouraged by a recent ICC statement on the importance of Indo-Pak cricket ties, the PCB has now sought the assistance of the ICC President Zaheer Abbas to convince India to play in December.

"I met with Zaheer Abbas the other day and have asked him to use his influence as the ICC President and former captain to persuade the Indian board to confirm the series against us in December," Pakistan Cricket board Chairman Shaharyar Khan said.

"We are keen to have the series on schedule as it is very important for the relations between the two countries," Shaharyar said.

"Zaheer is a respected figure in India and also the ICC President. I asked him to help us out. I hope he can do something and I remain hopeful that the series will take place," the PCB chief added.

He said he was optimistic about Zaheer playing an important role in convincing the Indian board to confirm the series in the UAE in December.

The Indians have so far yet to respond to a letter written by Shaharyar to the BCCI secretary Anurag Thakur, asking him to confirm the series.

A top Indian government official also said recently that until now the Indian board had not approached it seeking advice on the series, which is part of a six-series understanding laid out in a MOU signed between the two boards last year after the formation of the Big Three governance system in the ICC.

Zaheer, who was nominated for the honorary ICC position by the PCB, said he is willing to assist the cricket board.

"I will do my best because as a former player I also want the series to take place. I have said the series is important for cricket and also for Indo-Pak relations as well," he added.

Shaharyar said the PCB was also happy to see the remarks made by the ICC CEO Dave Richardson recognising the importance of Indo-Pak cricket ties and its impact on world cricket.

"We want this series to happen and we have even agreed to play at a neutral venue (UAE) but we are still waiting for a positive response from the Indian board," he stated.

The PCB has said that if the series with India does not materialise than it would be forced to tighten its belt and downsize the board to curtail expenditures as it is expecting revenues around 50 to 60 million US Dollars from hosting the series.