India-Pakistan series unlikely to take place, hints BCCI

Says lack of time before Australian tour to blame

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Saturday hinted that the much awaited bilateral series between India and Pakistan is unlikely to take place.

"I think we have very little time. On January 5, the Indian team will leave for Australia. Today it is 19th. If the decision comes even in next week, it would be very difficult for Pakistan to organize the series," BCCI secretary Anurag Thakur told the press conference.

"But this decision has to be made by Pakistan when they get permission from the Indian Government. But as of now, it seems almost impossible," he added.

Echoing similar view, IPL governing council chairman Rajiv Shukla said that it would be difficult for the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to organise the bilateral series.

"I think the honorary secretary is right. Today is 19th and we need our team to be ready for Australia tour by December 30. So, I don't think that there is any time left. Even Pakistan Board can't organize this kind of tournament in Sri Lanka in such small frame of time," Shukla told ANI.

Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has already given his consent to go ahead with the series in a neutrally decided venue Sri Lanka.

Meanwhile, PCB chief Shaharyar Khan said that they had decided to give up on the series after failing in receiving a necessary reply from the BCCI.

According to a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between the PCB and BCCI, both countries are scheduled to play six series between 2015 and 2023 after a clearance from the Indian Government.

India has not played a full bilateral Test series with Pakistan after the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks.