'No reason' for India and Pakistan not to meet, says Ramiz Raja

They haven't met outside of white ball tournaments since 2013 due to political tensions between the two.
"The two councils must agree to know whether we want to play each other or not," Raja told Test Match Special.
"Pakistan is ready, but they cite political interference. You can't work if there's political interference."
Former drummer Raja, who disputed 57 tests for Pakistan, added: "They cite that the government does not allow it, which kills the debate.
"There is no reason that India can't come to Pakistan and Pakistan can go to India for the T20 World Cup in 2016, while India no longer has played in Pakistan since Asian Cup 2008.
Pakistan are to host Asian Cup for first times in 15 years in 2023.
However, the Board of Control Secretary of Cricket in India (BCCI) , Jay Shah, said India would not travel and the event should be held in a neutral country.
In response, Pakistan said any changes to the Asian Cup could "impact" their participation in the 50 plus World Cup in India next October and November.
"Why give it to us in the first place and then make all these claims that India will not travel," said Raja.
"India can't come because the government won't allow them because it's is the declared position, but taking the Asian Cup away from us is simply not fair."
Raja also called on the England and Wales Cricket Board and Cricket Australia to do more to break the deadlock between Pakistan and India.
"Neutral cricket boards who have held important positions rtants, when they shut up, it completely frustrates me,” he said.
" The International Cricket Council needs to think outside the box and work better."
Pakistan currently hosts England in a test for the first time in 17 years. England halted their tour after gunmen attacked the Sri Lanka team bus in 2009.
England was given a 'presidential' level of security, costing around $2m (£1.6m), with 5,000 police involved every day.
"We are equipped in terms of security and cricket to host India," Raja said.
"Hosting England a very proud moment, very proud indeed, for all the fans too."

Sports Dec 4, 2022 0 39 Add to Reading List

'No reason' for India and Pakistan not to meet, says Ramiz Raja

They haven't met outside of white ball tournaments since 2013 due to political tensions between the two.

"The two councils must agree to know whether we want to play each other or not," Raja told Test Match Special.

"Pakistan is ready, but they cite political interference. You can't work if there's political interference."

Former drummer Raja, who disputed 57 tests for Pakistan, added: "They cite that the government does not allow it, which kills the debate.

"There is no reason that India can't come to Pakistan and Pakistan can go to India for the T20 World Cup in 2016, while India no longer has played in Pakistan since Asian Cup 2008.

Pakistan are to host Asian Cup for first times in 15 years in 2023.

However, the Board of Control Secretary of Cricket in India (BCCI) , Jay Shah, said India would not travel and the event should be held in a neutral country.

In response, Pakistan said any changes to the Asian Cup could "impact" their participation in the 50 plus World Cup in India next October and November.

"Why give it to us in the first place and then make all these claims that India will not travel," said Raja.

"India can't come because the government won't allow them because it's is the declared position, but taking the Asian Cup away from us is simply not fair."

Raja also called on the England and Wales Cricket Board and Cricket Australia to do more to break the deadlock between Pakistan and India.

"Neutral cricket boards who have held important positions rtants, when they shut up, it completely frustrates me,” he said.

" The International Cricket Council needs to think outside the box and work better."

Pakistan currently hosts England in a test for the first time in 17 years. England halted their tour after gunmen attacked the Sri Lanka team bus in 2009.

England was given a 'presidential' level of security, costing around $2m (£1.6m), with 5,000 police involved every day.

"We are equipped in terms of security and cricket to host India," Raja said.

"Hosting England a very proud moment, very proud indeed, for all the fans too."