PCB threatens to cut off ties with India

Pakistan threatened India to break all cricketing relations with it after the Indian government refused permission to cross borders for this winter's tour.

A visibly angry chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Lt Gen Tauqir Zia said the Indian decision has certainly forced his organization to review its (cricketing) policy with them.

"If India doesn't want to play us one-to-one, then we will reconsider our options. I don't rule out the possibility of never playing India even in the presence of a third team," the PCB chief said. "The first affected tournament could be next year's Sharjah Cup."

Pakistan, India and Sri Lanka are scheduled to appear in a double league competition in the desert city in April which will immediately be followed up by the six-nation Asia Cup one-day tournament in Pakistan. The Asian Test Championship will be played in September.

"India or no India, the Asia Cup and the Asian Test Championship will be played as scheduled. Invitations have already been sent to the Indians but no more reminders will be sent," the general said immediately after an emergency meeting of the advisory panel.

India also didn't appear in the inaugural Under-17 Asia Cup in Pakistan in July claiming that it received no information. However, the actual fact is seven reminders were sent.

The general said he was still awaiting reasons for withdrawing from the tour from his Indian counterparts. "I have not been contacted by A.C Muttiah (Indian board chief) or J.Y Lele (secretary). But I have seen the announcement from the Indian ministry.

"Definitely we would like to know the reasons. I know the reasons would be irrelevant but I am curious. I mean if Pakistan can tour India despite security threats (early last year), that is not the case here," he said.

The PCB boss said he would not approve the 10-year calendar proposed by the International Cricket Council (ICC). "How can I approve it since we are drawn to meet India five times in that proposed programme."

Pakistan, who will lose $15 million from the Indian withdrawal, anticipate a loss of $70 million over the next 10 years if India doesn't play in Pakistan. It would not be out of context to mention here that India earned $80 million alone from Pakistan's last year's visit.

The general said the ICC needed also to review its authority over its affiliated units.