BCCI, PCB should decide on Indo-Pak series: Foreign Secretary

MUMBAI: The cricket boards of India and Pakistan have to decide on the resumption of cricketing ties between the two countries, a top government official said.

Indian Foreign secretary Ranajan Mathai said that the two countries are actively working on resuming sporting ties which have been in suspended animation ever the since the 26/11 terror attack took place in Mumbai.

"As for resumption of cricketing ties, this is a matter between the BCCI and the PCB. There are issues of security as well. However, as you will see in the joint statement we have emphasised the need to promote sports contacts between the two countries," Mathai told reporters after a meeting with his Pakistan counterpart Jalil Abbas Jilani.

Jilani was also optimistic that the efforts to normalise sporting relations between the two countries would bear fruit.

"I had discussion for the revival of cricket ties between the two countries. I think that we will continue with this formative trajectory that we have adopted over the years in moving forward in our relationship," he said.

The Pakistan Cricket Board and Board of Control for Cricket in India have in principle agreed to a bi-lateral series. However, dates and revenue matters have only prolonged matters.

The next Indo-Pak series will be hosted by Pakistan. However, the country has become a no-go zone ever since the Sri Lankan cricket was attacked in 2008. Following the attacks, the ICC snatched away co-hosting rights of 2011 Cricket World Cup from Pakistan.

The Pakistani team has been playing its home matches at neutral venues. However, the BCCI is reportedly not keen to play at a neutral venue.

Although, the PCB is ready to play in India it wants the BCCI to share revenue from the series to compensate for the loses it suffered due to Indian team pulling out from their planned tour in 2009.