LAHORE - The chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Shahryar Khan said Thursday that he could not see any prospects of a cricket series between India and Pakistan.
Earlier this month the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) wrote a letter to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) seeking confirmation as to whether or not India would play two Tests, five one-day and two Twenty20 matches in the United Arab Emirates in December and January.
But India has so far not replied and current political tension between the two countries, with frequent ceasefire violations on the Line of Control in the Kashmir region, has cast serious doubt over the first full series between them since 2007.
PCB Chairman Shahryar Khan told reporters today he had spoken to BCCI officials on the sidelines of the International Cricket Council (ICC) meeting.
"The kind of atmosphere that is there in India right now, they will not agree to a cricket series," said Khan as he spoke at a news conference in Lahore.
Replying to questions regarding the future of Pakistan's Twenty20 team, he said that star all-rounder Shahid Afridi would continue to be the captain in the format.
"Afridi is a match-winner and will stay the T20 captain until the World T20 tournament," he said. Afridi led Pakistan to a 2-0 win in the Twenty20 series in Zimbabwe on Tuesday, his team's sixth consecutive win in the shortest format of the game.
The 35-year-old captain had earlier announced end his international career after the World Twenty20 tournament, to be held from March 11 to April 3 in India next year.
Meanwhile, PCB announced title, presenting and other sponsors and unveiled the logo for the home series against England 2015-16 in the UAE.
Speaking at press conference, Shaharyar said: “Despite the major setback of being unable to host its international cricket at home, PCB has not just remained solvent but flourished financially. And I must acknowledge loyal sponsors of Pakistan cricket have a contribution in keeping Pakistan cricket afloat. The bevy of sponsors you see here have been with us for the last several years. And PCB appreciates their corporate support. In recent times, other than a blip here and there, Team Pakistan has performed and conducted itself well in international cricket. The series against England is an important and competitive one against a form team that has just reclaimed the Ashes. But I expect that Team Pakistan shall perform well enough to prevail over England.”