Pak board ducks Dalmiya’s we-can-opt-out bouncer

PCB Chief Executive Rameez Raja told Reuters: ‘‘We have asked them to soften this clause, since it also states that in the condition of an aborted tour on security grounds the Pakistan board cannot claim any compensation from them, as per International Cricket Council rules…If the tour is called off under any pretext it will be disastrous for Pakistan cricket.’’

BCCI president Jagmohan Dalmiya, when contacted by The Indian Express, sought to dismiss the whole issue as a ‘‘cheap gimmick’’. ‘‘This is a routine matter. Even clauses relating to time of pratice sessions and pocket allowances are part of it. I am surprised why every day something new comes up from there (Pakistan).’’Dalmiya also defended the BCCI suggestion seeking protection from any possibly compensation.

‘‘Tomorrow if someone comes and asks for five or ten crores we cannot be paying them, can we? This is basically a commercial suggestion. For the record, as per ICC regulations, in case of any untoward incident during a match, the particular venue would be banned and all member countries have signed that agreement.’’

But he also kept a window open, telling Reuters: ‘‘There will be several things which might be changed. This (type of discussion) happens between all boards.’’