BCCI don't need to play Pakistan: Geoffrey Boycott

Geoffrey Boycott, the former England great, has hinted that India’s financial muscle in world cricket allows them the liberty to dictate terms regarding the international calendar. The BCCI is currently in discussion with the PCB for a short series in December with Sri Lanka being the possible venue however Boycott said India can easily ignore PCB because the BCCI’s money boxes were strong enough to forego a series with their neighbours. The Englishman was involved with coaching in Pakistan in 2001.

“Because of the strength of the Indian economy, the population and interest levels for the game, the BCCI makes a lot of money. Everyone wants to play India because they themselves will make a lot of money through advertising. However the BCCI doesn’t need Pakistan,” Boycott was quoted by PakPassion.net. “From a cricketing point of view it would be wonderful to see Pakistan and India playing each other as the series is like England and Australia. It’s unfortunate that series between Pakistan and India are so few and far between,” Boycott added.

He continued stating, “But I don’t see India changing their mind very easily as they believe they are alright and don’t need series against Pakistan. But it’s not good for cricket that India and Pakistan are not playing against each other.”

Shashank Manohar, the BCCI chief is keen to honour India’s commitment to the ICC and spoke to PCB chairman Shahryar Khan in Dubai this weekend to revive the series. Both Boards have approached their respective governments. ECB president and the Pakistan Task Force chairman Giles Clarke is expected to make an official announcement on the series on November 27.

The former opening batsman had on Monday stated that the Pakistani cricketers have always had raw talent despite having lesser access to good facilities, but nepotism is weakening its roots and is causing instability.