BCCI requests Pakistan to play ODI in Ahmedabad
In another twist to the Ahmedabad saga, the Board of Control for Cricket in India has reportedly asked the Pakistan Cricket Board to give serious consideration to playing a one-day international in Ahmedabad in place of a Test match during the
Cricinfo staff
09-Feb-2005
 |
|
However, Shukla, who is on a private visit to Lahore, was not wiling to divulge further details after the meeting. "All I can say at this stage is that we have held good discussions and that both boards have a good relationship and will resolve the issues of the venues for the series amicably. I don't want to say anything more."
Earlier, Pakistan had declined to play a Test in Ahmedabad citing security reasons and requested the BCCI to schedule the game at any other Test venue. Saying that Pakistan's decision was based on political grounds, various Indian politicians took up the issue, suggesting that Ahmedabad was a safe place to tour. However, the PCB has denied that their decision was politically influenced.
SK Nair, secretary of the BCCI, was quoted in The Times of India as saying, "We are discussing the issue with PCB officials and we have to find a solution that is acceptable to everyone. We will be flexible. We have to keep our options open to thrash out the issue at the earliest and will be in a position to draw up the fixtures at the working committee meeting in Delhi on February 17."
Abbas Zaidi, PCB media director, who also met with Shukla, said that no decision had been taken yet, but added that both boards knew their responsibilities to begin the tour as scheduled. "Shukla is in Lahore on a private visit and he visited the stadium today (on Tuesday)," he said. "We can only say at the moment that the tour is on and discussions on the venues are continuing in a spirit of mutual cooperation."