India likely to play Pakistan in juniors

Pakistan and India will attempt to break the ice in their cricket relations by playing in an annual triangular one-day tournament at junior ...

Pakistan and India will attempt to break the ice in their cricket relations by playing in an annual triangular one-day tournament at junior level.

The decision to take part in junior tournaments from February 2004 was taken at a meeting of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) in London. “These competitions should help India and Pakistan to break the ice and resume cricket against each other on a more regular basis,” Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Tauqir Zia said in a statement.

“This is a positive move and decision at the ACC level. Such competitions will also help promote the game in the region at the grass root level,” Zia added.

Story continues below this ad

The Indian government has not allowed its team to play bilateral cricket matches against Pakistan at any level since 2000. India last visited Pakistan for a full Test series in 1988-89, while Pakistan’s last tour of India was in 1999.

Govt should have the final say: Kapil Dev

Chandigarh: Meanwhile, legendary all-rounder Kapil Dev today put the onus on the government for resumption of cricket ties with Pakistan, saying “sportspersons are always eager to play”.

“It is for the government to give clearance (on playing cricket with Pak). The government is already involved in some talks. I think we should not interfere in that, but if you ask me as a sportsman then I will say sportspersons are always eager to play”.

The former captain sought to emphasise that the government should have a final word on resuming cricket ties with Pakistan.

Story continues below this ad

“We did not play South Africa for so many years. We accepted it because it was upto our government to decide. Even now I feel that the government should be allowed to take a final decision keeping in mind the national interest,” he told reporters here. Asked if political considerations were dominating our decision not to play Pakistan, he said that is the way it is. “Politicians are running the country and we have to accept it.”