There Was No Need for BCCI to Meet PCB: Sports Minister Vijay Goel

BCCI officials met PCB to discuss pressing issues including the USD 60 million compensation demanded by the latter.

Virat Kohli celebrates a fifty during the ICC World Cup match against Pakistan. (Photo: AP)

Sports Minister Vijay Goel on Tuesday said there was no need for BCCI officials to meet their Pakistani counterparts when they knew the bilateral cricketing ties were subject to clearance from the government.

I would want know why they went ahead with the meeting (when they knew that the series was subject to government clearance). What I can say is that we cannot play bilateral series with Pakistan until it stops cross-border terrorism.

Vijay Goel to PTI

The meeting between the two boards in Dubai on Monday did not yield any decisive outcome and any hope of resumption of bilateral ties in the near future were dashed with outright rejection from the Indian government.

The BCCI, represented by joint secretary Amitabh Choudhary along with CEO Rahul Johri and GM (Cricket Operations) MV Sridhar, discussed pressing issues including the USD 60 million compensation demanded by the PCB.

“The delegations of the BCCI and the PCB have met in Dubai today (Monday) and shared their stated positions. The meeting was held in a cordial atmosphere and its outcome will be shared with the members of their respective boards,” a BCCI release stated.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has sent a legal notice to BCCI claiming damages to the tune of USD 60 million (Rs 387 crore approx) for allegedly not honouring the MoU that had stated five bilateral series in the cycle between 2015-2023.

There were some thoughts of sneaking a small limited overs series in September, when Champions League T20 used to be held.

It is learnt that the BCCI is unlikely to pay any damages as its stand has always been clear that government clearance is paramount when it comes to playing Pakistan. In fact, BCCI has asked PCB to withdraw compensation claim.

As of now, India will only play Pakistan in ICC tournaments.

(With inputs from PTI.)