'I don't know why we are pushing for series against India again and again'
'The ball is in their court now and they now have to decide'
'I believe cricket and politics should not be mixed'
Shaharyar Khan says the Pakistan Cricket Board will no longer ask India to play the planned bilateral series in the UAE in December.
"I think we have said enough about the series and we are not going to ask them anymore. The ball is in their court now and they now have to decide and inform us about the fate of the series," the Pakistan Cricket Board chairman said.
The former diplomat, in his most strong statement on the upcoming series and relations with India, said the PCB had done enough on its part to show its keenness to play the series and revive bilateral ties.
"I don't want to say anything more on the series. But what is causing us concern is that -- from what we know --- the letter we sent to the Indian board about the series has not gone to their government as yet," he said.
Khan added that if the Board of Control for Cricket in India backs out of the series, which Pakistan is supposed to host, the PCB will approach the ICC and other member boards.
"The series is part of a proper MOU signed between the two boards and we will pursue this matter if required.
"Relations between the two countries have been tense in the past as well but we still played cricket. But since 2007 India has not played a Test against us. We will not run after them now; it is their turn to decide and realise the importance of reviving bilateral cricket ties," he said.
He said Pakistan had already started work on a plan ‘B’ but hasn't not met with success yet since they are only two teams free in December.
"One is Zimbabwe, whom we have already played twice this year, and the other is Bangladesh, who will be busy in their premier league. But we are looking at other options as well."
Pakistan's Test captain, Misbah-ul- Haq, has said that cricket should be kept away from politics and called for revival of bilateral series with India.
Misbah said he always advocated that Pakistan and India should play against each other regularly.
"I believe cricket and politics should not be mixed. Cricket has helped reduce tensions in the past. I think the bilateral series should be revived."
Meanwhile, Shahid Afridi urged the PCB to stop advocating for a Test series against India and concentrate more on persuading other teams to tour Pakistan.
"I don't know why we are pushing for series against India again and again," Afridi told reporters in Lahore.
"I don't see any reason to play (against India) if they don't want to play. We have invited them and if they do not want to play then it shouldn't be any worry, we are still happy."
