Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) treasurer Arun Dhumal criticized Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ehsan Mani over his comments about the security situation in India.
On Monday, PCB chairman said that “at this time, India is a far greater security risk than Pakistan”. However, the BCCI delegates were less than impressed with Mani’s remarks and gave a fitting reply to the PCB chairman.
PCB claims Pakistan to be safe.
PCB chairman Ehsan Mani has made a controversial remark, saying “at this time, India is a far greater security risk than Pakistan”. Mani’s comments come after Pakistan successfully hosted their first Test series on home soil after 13 years. Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka 1-0 in the two-Test series after winning the second Test in Karachi by 263 runs.
“We have proved that Pakistan is safe, if someone isn’t coming then they should prove that it’s unsafe. At this time, India is a far greater security risk than Pakistan. No one should now doubt security arrangements in Pakistan after successful Sri Lanka Test series. This is a turning point for the revival of test cricket in Pakistan. Media and fans played an important role in portraying a positive image of Pakistan worldwide.” Mani was quoted as saying by Cricket Pakistan.
BCCI Response
Deeply unsatisfied with Man’s comments BCCI gave a fitting reply to the PCB and its chairman.
“For a person who stays mostly in London, it is inappropriate for him to comment anything on India’s security. He is not even eligible to comment on Pakistan’s security. He hardly stays there. If he gets to spend more time in Pakistan, he would get to understand the real situation there.” This was the response of BCCI treasurer to the comments made by PCB chairman.
The never-ending Rivalry
This is not the first time Mani has made remarks about India and BCCI, earlier this June he made it clear that Pakistan won’t beg India to play any bilateral series. Mani’s comments come ahead of Pakistan and India’s World Cup clash in Manchester.
Frosty political relations have led to Pakistan and India only facing each other at major ICC events like the World Cup.
India and Pakistan have not played a bilateral series since Pakistan toured India for a three-match ODI series from December 2012 to January 2013. Since then, the two arch-rivals have only met in major cricket tournaments like the World Cup, T20 World Cup, Champions Trophy and Asia Cup.
Bangladesh to tour Pakistan
Given the success of the Test series against Sri Lanka, Mani also called on Bangladesh to play a two-Test series in the country. Bangladesh has refused to do so thus far, but are willing to play a three-match Twenty20 series in Pakistan.
Bangladesh is supposed to tour Pakistan for two Tests and three Twenty20 Internationals in January and February next year.
With these war of words between the top delegates of subcontinent’s most powerful two cricketing nations, the hope of bilateral series restarting between these two teams remains in jeopardy.
(Image Courtesy: Hindustan.com)