Indian Boss Bindra Blames Politicians (04 Apr 1996)

4 April 1996

Indian boss blames politicians

Special Representative

SINGAPORE, April 3: The President of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Inderjit Singh Bindra, has blamed the politicians of India and Pakistan for the stoppage of reciprocal tours across the board.

"Well, that`s my perception. The two cricket boards have absolutely no problems with each other but we don`t have control over the politicians," said Bindra.

Bindra was hinting at Shiv Sena leader, Bal Thackery, because of whom Pakistan couldn`t travel to India thrice. "The two boards want to revive cricket but what can we do with the politicians. They mix sports and politics and the loser is the game."

However, the President said after successfully holding the World Cup, the chances of revival of cricket tours have been enhanced. "The two boards are understanding each other much better. There is coordination and interpretation between us. "We have had informal discussions over how to start tours and at the moment the proposal is that first half of the series will be played in Pakistan and the other half will be played in India."

The Indian boss said the proposal was still in the pipeline, adding the proposition will be submitted to the respective boards next year for government clearance.

Bindra, however, emphasised that it was Pakistan`s turn to pay a visit to India. "They came to India but it was World Cup in which we could have also come to Pakistan. We made the last tour in 1988-89 and played four Tests. So I think, the tours should revive.

Bindra stressed that Pakistan and India cannot always play cricket offshore. "That is not good for the sport. We have to play cricket at home and it will help in having more mature audiences in both the countries."

Source :: Dawn Group Of Newspapers (https://www.cricket.org/link_to_database/SUPPORT/DAWN/)