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BCCI considers itself above Indian law: Kirti Azad

Last updated on: November 16, 2015 15:21 IST

BCCI president Shashank Manohar, left, with secretary Anurag Thakur

IMAGE: BCCI president Shashank Manohar, left, with secretary Anurag Thakur. Photograph: PTI

Expressing his view on the recent proposal to play Pakistan in a limited-overs' series in India, former Indian cricketer and BJP MP Kirti Azad on Sunday said the Board of Control for Cricket in India always sees itself as being above the law.

"The Board of Control for Cricket in India should know first whether the government has given its approval or not. I have always been saying that the BCCI thinks of itself as being above Indian laws," the 56-year-old said.

Azad also slammed Pakistan for their desperation to play a bilateral series with India.

"Pakistan is ready to play anywhere, even in deserts. I don't think government has given any permission. Whatever maybe the situation, it is necessary to take permission from the government. Terror and talk cannot go hand in hand. Unless there is a stable situation, PCB and the BCCI should stop asking for series," Azad added.

Meanwhile, Indian Premier League chairman Rajeev Shukla revealed that they would talk to the government regarding the matter and try to get permission.

"We will talk to the government and ask for their permission. We also need to know if the PCB wants to play or not. If they are not ready to play then there is no use of discussion. And if they are ready then we will to talk to BCCI president Shashank Manohar, who will discuss it further. Until we get an official response from the PCB, I cannot comment on it," Shukla said.

Earlier, the BCCI had proposed to Pakistan a limited-overs' series against them in India in December, which could include five ODIs and two T20s.

Speaking on the matter, Manohar had said as it seems to be difficult to play a series in the UAE in December, they are looking forward to playing a limited-overs' series in India.

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

The last time the two nations played was in 2012-13 when Pakistan visited India for a three-match One-Day International and two-match Twenty20 series.

According to a Memorandum of Understanding 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. 

Source: ANI