Keep India-Pakistan politics away from cricket: PCB Chairman

Dubai - Ehsan has expressed his concerns over the lack of matches between the two neighbours.

Cricket is the casualty of political tensions between India and Pakistan. Both the countries have been playing International Cricket Council events but not bilateral series. It is a setback to the game in the subcontinent and worldwide.
Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Ehsan Mani while addressing the media on the eve of Asia Cup Super Four match at Dubai International Cricket stadium, expressed his concerns over no cricket between the two neighbours.
"I believe there should be no interference from politicians in cricketing affairs. India-Pakistan fans around the globe want to watch the teams contesting. "It is treat to watch the fans thronging Dubai stadium to watch the contest between the Asian giants. It is an answer to people who are erecting hurdles in the way of the game. Ultimately, it is the game which is suffering.
"I have met my Indian counterparts today and they have no problems playing with us. It is high time to take some decision on this matter. I hope the common sense will prevail and the cricket will start between two teams. I will go to any length for the revival of the game."
While answering a question about Pakistan players taking part in T10 League in the UAE, the former ICC president said: "I want to make me satisfied that the tournament is clean and there will be no financial wrongdoing. "We will not allow our players to be part of the tournament which has come under scrutiny."
Mani also talked about Pakistani players' participation in Emirates T20 League. "The league is played under ECB and there is no harm to let our players join this league. Since there is lot of cricket being played and we have to keep in mind the workload of our players. If it does not clash with our national duty, our players can take part in it."
Domestic cricket has been an issue for Pakistan since long. Former Pakistan captain Imran Khan and current prime minister of Pakistan has always talked against current system. "The work has been started to overhaul the domestic cricket. It will not be an easy task and we have set up the task force to pinpoint the shortcomings."
There is a lot of talk about Pakistan Super League financial affairs and Mani himself a charted accountant, has started the investigation. "The previous administration has signed some media and broadcasting agreements. I will go through all the details and will try to make it transparent."
While talking about women cricket, Mani said: "It is an area which needs utmost attention. We want to develop women cricket in the country."
I hope cricketing bodies in the counties will take concrete measure to provide women ample chance to play cricket.
"We have a very limited pool of women players to choose from. I hope more women join the game in future."
liaqat@khaleejtimes.com