The India and Pakistan cricket boards have agreed to resume bilateral cricket ties.

The Pakistan Cricket Board chief, Shahryar Khan, made the announcement in the presence of the president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India, Jagmohan Dalmiya, here on Sunday.

The PCB chairman said the UAE was ready to host a series, which will include three Tests, five ODIs and two T20s.

“This is part of an MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) signed between the two boards in 2014, and we are keen to abide by it,” Shahryar said.

“The series in the UAE will see the revival of Indo-Pak cricket. We plan to get on with it in December as per schedule. The preparation is on in full swing. We have to overcome the final hurdle,” said the PCB chief who had called on the BCCI president earlier in the evening.

Pat for Dalmiya

Complimenting Dalmiya for his proactive stand in reviving the bilateral series between India and Pakistan, Shahryar said fans all over the world will once again be able to watch the biggest rivalry in the game. “Let me tell you that the India-Pakistan series is more important than any other in world cricket. I think it is even more important than the Ashes,” said the PCB chief.

“I am grateful to Dalmiya for hosting me here. As per the existing MoU, there will be five series between the two countries in eight years,” Shahryar said. “My relationship with Dalmiya goes back a long way. We had hosted the 2004 Indo-Pak series, and this series was made possible due to his efforts.”

At the joint news conference, Dalmiya, too, was confident that the series will go ahead as planned. He added that a lot will depend on how the two governments support the initiative.

“We are very hopeful of reviving the series. We are going to take appropriate steps, and the two boards will be in regular touch. Only a few things need to be sorted out. We expect the support of the home ministry and Government without which we cannot go forward,” said Dalmiya.
(The Hindu)