‘Facts were twisted regarding Pakistan players’ participation’

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has said that the BCCI is spreading misleading information regarding Pakistan players not being called for the two T20 matches between Asia XI and World XI, arranged by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to commemorate the birth centenary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

Indian media IANS yesterday quoted BCCI Joint Secretary Jayesh George as saying that India were under the impression that no Pakistan players will be playing in the Asia XI. "What we are aware of is that there will be no Pakistan players in the Asia XI. That is what the message is, so, there is no question of both countries coming together or picking one over the other. Sourav Ganguly will decide the five players who will be a part of the Asia XI," Jayesh told IANS.

The BCB president Nazmul Hassan was asked about the comments from Jayesh and he reiterated that it was 'never said that Pakistan players can't be there', before adding that the PCB had asked for the T20 matches to be shifted owing to the fact that the time clashed with the PSL.

The BCB president however did mention that PCB did not make any response after BCB had said that the dates cannot be changed due to directives from government on when the matches can take place.

A report today in Pakistan based newspaper Dawn, asserted: "PCB has said the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is giving false and misleading impression about Pakistan players being ignored for the ICC-approved T20 games between the Asia XI and World XI in Dhaka on March 16 and 20, under the umbrella of BCB and the Asian Cricket Council (ACC)."

According to the report, The PCB said the matter was discussed at an ACC meeting where the PCB had informed the BCB that they were willing to allow its players as long as the dates were altered to avoid a clash with the HBL Pakistan Super League 2020.

A PCB spokesperson was quoted by the newspaper as saying that the PCB had both verbally and in writing offered their regrets to the BCB.

"The T20Is between World XI and Asia XI were scheduled from 16-20 March, while the HBL PSL 2020 is likely to end on 22 March. Since dates of both the series couldn't be changed, we offered our regrets to the BCB, both verbally and in writing, which they understood and accepted.

"It is unfortunate that the facts were twisted to mislead Pakistan cricket fans and followers," the spokesman added.

 The PCB said the matter was discussed at an ACC meeting where the PCB had informed the BCB that they were willing to allow its players as long as the dates were altered to avoid a clash with the HBL Pakistan Super League 2020.

The PCB has also asked the BCB to clarify their rationale once again for not wanting to play the Test series in Pakistan.

"We have also offered the BCB that if they have any concerns, they should visit Pakistan and discuss the matter with us so that we are able to convince them and provide better guidance," a PCB spokesman said, while adding: "The discussions are ongoing and we remain confident that the BCB will review their decision."

The BCB president had earlier yesterday told the media that many of the players do not want to travel to Pakistan even for the T20Is.