We're committed to play Pakistan in Dec: BCCI president

Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has not completely ruled out the series against Pakistan in December even as uncertainty continues on the issue.

Shashank Manohar, the BCCI president, reminded those gathered at the AGM on Monday (November 9) of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to play a two-Test, five-ODI series in December in UAE.

The planned series has run into trouble in the past months due to the political tension between the two countries. Former cricketers from both India and Pakistan have batted for the resumption of bilateral ties between the two countries but BCCI have maintained that the final decision hinges on clearance from the government of India.

When asked if the Board has planned a series in December since the Indian team will not be engaged in that period, Manohar said everything would depend on the decision of the series against Pakistan.

"Depending on what happens to series against Pakistan, we have to take a call. We are committed to playing Pakistan in December. However, since it's not possible to play them in Pakistan or the UAE, we have to look at playing the series in Northern India in December," Manohar was quoted as saying by The Hindu.

"We need government permission to play against Pakistan and Board decision will be as per the government stand," Manohar added.

According to a report in the Indian Express, India are considering pitching a five ODI, two T20I series series to the Indian government. BCCI secretary Anurag Thakur, who is also a MP from the ruling party BJP, will meet the Union Home Ministry with the fresh proposal. If it is not accepted then another proposal of playing three ODIs and two T20Is will be given.

It is understood that Shashank Manohar is keen on honouring the MoU with Pakistan and is even considering the possibility of sharing the revenue earned from the television rights for that series.

The Indian team finishes the ongoing Test series against South Africa on December 7 and is scheduled to go to Australia for a limited overs series in January, leaving a small window open for the BCCI to squeeze in another home series.

As per the International Cricket Council's Future Tours Programme, Pakistan were to host India but the vehement protest by Shiv Sena derailed the scheduled talks on the issue between Manohar and PCB chief Shahrayar Khan.

India last hosted Pakistan for a short limited-overs series in 2012. The last time these two sub-continental sides met in the Test arena was back in 2007.

Paksitani fast bowler Wahab Riaz (R) celebrates after taking the wicket of Indian batsman Virat Kohli during the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 semi-final match. Photo: AFP