India-Pakistan series may happen next year

There seems to be some clarity on the much-awaited series between India and Pakistan. Reports have suggested that the Indian government is in favour of the tour, which means unless in the event of an objection from the Centre, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) could go ahead with the series.“We have the government’s permission for the series. There is no issue of government’s approval. In fact, the government has asked to go ahead with the series against Pakistan,” BCCI vice-president Rajiv Shukla was quoted as saying by Indian media.The BCCI has left March-April slot for the series and indications from the Indian board are that it is preparing for it. The series is also part of the new Future Tours Programme of the International Cricket Council.“We are aware of the FTP, but we still will have to create a window due to the hectic schedule,” said Shukla, also a minister in the UPA government. He added that the BCCI was also keen on arranging the bilateral series.Board officials deny having discussed the issue at the recent working committee meet but there have been informal discussions over preparations for the series. The stakeholders of the board — sponsors and broadcasters — have been told to be ready for the series. According to a source, the board is looking forward to the series.The BCCI might seek a final clearance from the government in December but with Shukla hinting that the government is keen on the series, there should not be a problem. One of the compulsions could be the economics behind the series. The BCCI could stand to lose about Rs300 crore if the Pakistan tour were to be cancelled.The series was one of the most important fixtures when it sold the television rights last year. It is learnt that board’s stakeholders had sought some clarity on the Pakistan series recently and the BCCI officials told them to go ahead with their preparations.When asked about the status of the series after the recent working committee meeting in Mumbai, a top board official refused to discuss the matter but at the same time refused to concede it is in danger of being cancelled. A formal position on this could be taken at the AGM on September 19.Pakistan have not toured India since the 26/11 attacks, but the frost between the two countries melted during the World Cup in March. During that semifinal in Mohali, the officials of the two governments felt that there was a need to resume cricketing ties between the countries.