Rajeev Shukla says PCB chief shouldn't be 'pessimistic' over Indo-Pak series

Rajeev Shukla, the Indian Premier League chairman, on Wednesday said that Shahryar Khan shouldn't be 'pessimistic' and insisted that the relationship between the PCB and BCCI remains healthy despite talks regarding the proposed bilateral series were disrupted by Shiv Sena activists in Mumbai a few days ago.

The PCB chairman had earlier conceded that the prospects of an India-Pak bilateral cricket series in December were 'very low', saying that he was not optimistic about the revival of the stalled series, especially after the recent events in Mumbai.

However, Shukla suggested that the process of dialogue will continue between the two boards and said that the BCCI would consult the government first before holding talks with the PCB.

"The BCCI President is of the view that they would consult the government first then they will hold talks with PCB. But, the process of dialogue has not stopped and it will continue. There is a good understanding between both the boards," said Shukla.

The much-anticipated scheduled meeting between the Indian and Pakistan cricket board officials was cancelled soon after about 200 Shiv Sena workers stormed the BCCI headquarters in Mumbai office on Monday.

According to the MoU signed between the PCB and BCCI, both countries are scheduled to play six series under the 2015-2023 Future Tours Programme, subject to clearance from the Indian Government.

India have not played a full bilateral Test series with Pakistan after the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks.