India has to take first step for resumption of Indo-Pak ties: Mani

The Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Ehsan Mani, while talking to reporters in Lahore, has said that India needs to take the first step for the resumption of India-Pakistan cricket ties.

According to details, Mani said that the PCB was firm in its resolve that the board will not beg for a series against India.

“If India takes the first step we will play with them. We stand fast in our resolve that we will not continue to ask them for the resumption of the India-Pakistan series,” said Mani.

Mani made it clear that the two boards did not hold any grudges and that he was hopeful that lowered tensions between the countries would result in the resumption of cricket.

“Both boards have no grudges between them. We have a good relationship with them,” he said. “We are hopeful that the post-election phase in India and lowering tensions will improve the cricketing relations between Pakistan and India.”

The Chairman also highlighted his ambitions for holding the Asia Cup in Pakistan and told reporters that India had backed Pakistan as the host for the event.

“India has backed Pakistan for Hosting the Asia Cup. We intend on holding all matches of the Asia Cup in Pakistan next year,” he said. “If the government of India does not grant their cricket team permission to play in Pakistan, we will be looking at UAE as an alternative option.India also hosted the Asia Cup in the UAE.”

Mani also clarified that that Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had asked permission from their government to host Pakistan for the International Cricket Council (ICC) Women’s Championship.

“The BCCI has asked permission from their government to host the Pakistan Women’s Cricket Team. If permission is granted by the government, it could be a catalyst for change and be an ice breaker for a potential men’s series in the future,” he concluded.