Indian government’s delay frustrates Rajeev Shukla

Indian Premier League chairman Rajeev Shukla on Wednesday admitted that the Indian government had taken a lot of time in coming to a concrete decision about the stalled bilateral series against Pakistan, which could be held this month.

Shukla said that he was not sure of the Pakistan Cricket Board’s decision on the series.

“It has been around 15-20 days since the BCCI had sent a letter to the External Affair Ministry. I think the government should reply in yes or no. Now, there is no time left. The Indian players will not be available after December 30 as they are touring Australia from January 5.

“So, I don’t think Pakistan will be in a position to host a series in Sri Lanka. I am not even sure what will Pakistan’s response be on the series if they get a reply from the Indian government. Although there is a delay, the government should at least give a reply,” BCCI’s senior official Shukla said.

Earlier on Monday, PCB chief Shaharyar Khan said they had extended the deadline for the India board to take a final call on the series. “I have asked (England and Wales Cricket Board president) Giles Clarke to bring an answer from India. He is going to call me in the evening to tell me the final reply from India,” Shaharayar had said.

Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has already given his consent for the series in a neutrally decided venue Sri Lanka.

Meanwhile, Shaharyar said that they had decided to give up on the series after failing to receive a necessary reply from the BCCI. According to a memorandum of understanding signed between the PCB and the BCCI, the nations are scheduled to play six series between 2015 and 2023 pending a clearance from the Indian government.

India has not played a full bilateral Test series with Pakistan after the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks.