PCB Chairman Zaka Ashraf spoke to the press today about the news of the resumption of cricketing ties between Pakistan and India. A video of the press conference is also included.

July 16th 2012

Zaka Ashraf's reaction to the news.

We have been working on this since March and held positive meetings with Srinivasan [BCCI Chairman]. From October 2011, when I was appointed PCB Chairman, I have maintained good relations with the all of the cricket boards, ICC, including the BCCI.

Discussions were held with the BCCI and the relationship has strengthened as a result of the meetings. When Mr Srinivasan invited me to the final of the IPL, we made quite a few breakthroughs and he indicated the importance of working with the PCB. He told me we should raise the subject [of Pakistan-India matches] at the ICC meeting in Kuala Lumpur.

At the meeting he said he couldn't give approval from the BCCI, but he called me last night and this morning to let me know he was taking the proposal to the Board. We have received confirmation from India that they are ready to work with Pakistan and their desire to normalise cricketing relations between the countries.

I feel it's a positive outcome - the realisation of the effort in the meetings between the PCB and BCCI.


On the details, venues and matches.

We haven't confirmed the details in the course of our discussions with the BCCI. We'll have to wait and see what the BCCI say and we will discuss further. We will let everyone know once finalised.


On responding to the BCCI.

I was travelling but received the message that Mr Srinivasan had called a couple of times and wanted to speak to me. We will convey our official response to the BCCI after discussing with the PCB.


On playing the matches in Pakistan.

My desire is for the resumption of international cricket in Pakistan and for the world's teams to play here, but the main reasons teams are refusing are on the grounds of security. It's the government that provide security and I say if the provisional governments take responsibility, with full security being provided and individuals taking personal responsibility, cricket can return to Pakistan very quickly.


On the impact of relations with India beyond cricket.

Definitely Pakistan-India does not just have an impact at the cricket ground. It builds the relationships between the counties, improving economic prosperity and brings the people closer together. The people-to-people contact improves and has an impact on foreign relations.

On logistics of the Pakistan team travelling to Pakistan.

We can confirm this once officially confirmed. The media are saying they have approved and the BCCI will formally extend the invitation. This it is good thing for Pakistan.


On the role that the government played in the talk of this series.

The Pakistan Foreign Ministry has also done some good work.

When president Asif Zardari went to India and talked to Manmohan Singh, that was a very positive move. When meetings were held between the foreign secretaries, we requested they take up the issue, even at that level. The positive response that has come from their government is a very good thing and it’s also very good for the betterment of the foreign relations of the two countries.


PCB chairman on politics in Pakistan cricket and the cricket stadium in Islamabad.

First of all, in cricket there is no fight between provinces or political parties. Cricket is a common interest for everyone, whichever political party people may belong to. Cricket is a passion and this is the case whether the they represent MQM, People Party or PTI.

I children love the game and cricket is Pakistan’s most popular sport. This there is no relation of any political party - this is a common ground. The PCB is not run on any political motives and nor have I ever talked politics. We only talk about cricket and we promote this important sport.

Secondly, about the Islamabad stadium, we have begun construction work and we are advertising this so that we can find a good company that can promote the stadium on the international level.


When asked about the details of the series.

Thi is match that is going to happen, it’s an ice-breaking match - there was a glacier that was frozen for many years. We said that once it starts, at least the relations will improve and after that we will bring further refinements. The important thing is to improve relations. I’m very grateful to BCCI for taking such a positive move and interacted well with us. I talked to Srinivasan today and he was saying that our corporate backgrounds allows us to understand each other better.