"PCB will only agree to the next FTP once the ICC resolves Pak's dispute with India" : Najam Sethi

[MenInG]

"PCB will only agree to the next FTP once the ICC resolves Pak's dispute with India" : Najam Sethi

LAHORE: Pakistan will approve any Future Tours Programme (FTP) of the ICC only after the dispute between Pakistan and India on the resumption of their bilateral series or any compensation for not resuming it is resolved by the world governing body, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Najam Sethi has said.

“We informed the ICC in thelast [chief executives’] meetings [held earlier this month]that the PCB will only agree to the next FTP [only] once the ICC resolves Pakistan’s dispute with India which did not honour the MoU [signed between the two countries] in 2014 for resuming their bilateral series,” Sethi told Dawn in an exclusive interview here on Monday.

“I think it will take eight to nine months for the ICC Dispute Resolution Comm*ittee to solve the dispute. And as the FTP will be implemented from 2019, the game’s governing body will have enough time to finalise the FTP after resolving our [Pakistan-India] case,” the PCB chairman stated.

The ICC had not yet decided if it would include one representative each from India and Pakistan in its dispute resolution panel or the chairman of this committee, Michael Beloff, would hear the case alone, Sethi underlined.

“Under the prevailing circumstances, PCB’s position is that if the ICC Dispute Resolution Committee decides the dispute in PCB’s favour then any FTP will need to be adjusted to reflect the decision. Any agreement by the PCB to any new FTP structure will therefore be without prejudice to its existing claims against the BCCI, and will be subject to the outcome of the ICC dispute resolution process,” the PCB chief elaborated.

Sethi was optimistic about success in this case, despite the fact that the two countries have signed merely an MoU, and not any full-fledged agreement.

It is pertinent to mention here that while India hugely benefited after getting PCB’s vote in favour of ‘Big Three’ formula in world cricket back in 2014, after the MoU signed between Pakistan and India for six bilateral series between 2015-2023, the former earned nothing.

The revenue share of the members of ‘Big Three’ — India, England and Australia — from the ICC income increased tremendously under the ‘Big Three’ formula, which ended earlier this year.

The PCB was expecting to earn huge profits after hosting India in 2014 and 2015 under the said MoU. However, since then the Indian government has not allowed its team to play a bilateral series against Pakistan amid political strains between the nuclear-armed South Asian neighbours.

Subsequently, the PCB, which has filed a case against India at the ICC, wants to get a fair decision -- either resumption of the bilateral series or compensation from India amounting to $70 million.

Reservations over T10 League addressed

Meanwhile, Sethi also gave his word on the objections raised by some PSL franchises over PCB’s decision of cooperating with the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) for launching the T10 League starting in the UAE from Dec 14 to 17.

When asked to comment on the reports indicating some PSL franchises have expressed their reservations against the T10 League, the PCB chairman said all the disagreements with the franchises over the T10 League had been amicably settled during the last meeting held with them.

“The PCB has cooperated with the organisers of T10 League after ensuring all its interests are safe,” Sethi insisted. “Two [PSL] franchises had some complaints but their reservations have now been removed.”

According to Sethi, the PCB would earn $400,000 from the T10 League organisers for allowing Pakistani cricketers to compete in that four-day event.

“As the Pakistan players are not busy in any national assignment during the T10 League, under no rule the PCB could stop them, especially when the ICC has not raised any objection over the commencement of the league,” Sethi said.

Furthermore, he said, cricket authorities in Sri Lanka and Bangladesh were also cooperating with the ECB.

The PCB chairman rejected the impression that the T10 League would clash with the PSL, starting in the UAE from Feb 22.

“There is a significant gap between the commencements of the two events. So, the PSL is quite safe. However, some franchises feel their sponsors may leave them to sponsor the T10 League.

“Look neither the PCB can stop its cricketers from earning money nor you can guide any sponsor not to back any other event,” he clarified.

“Some PSL franchises bought the teams in the South African league to which the PCB did not raise any objection as everyone is free to safeguard their interests.”

Sethi said the PCB had also succeeded in getting the rent of the Dubai and Sharjah venues reduced for hosting the 2018 PSL matches starting on Feb 22.

“We will save approximately $250,000 under the new arrangement. And overall the PCB will earn $650,000 after receiving $400,000 from the ECB and due to reduced rates of the stadiums.”

To a question, he claimed that the PCB did not violate any of its rules in cooperating with the organisers of the T10 League.

“We succeeded in changing the dates of the T10 League, bringing it back from February to December because our own PSL is going to be held in February-March. And as the ICC did not raise any objection against the T10 League and we also earned $400,000, so the PCB is not going to lose anything,” emphasised Sethi.

 

[ipl_fan]

PCB's fixation with BCCI and Indian Cricket is borderline comical. Especially when the fans claim that PCB doesn't need Indian cricket revenue.

 

[R0H1T]

PCB's fixation with BCCI and Indian Cricket is borderline comical. Especially when the fans claim that PCB doesn't need Indian cricket revenue.

Hysterical actually, if this were individuals you could say that the PCB was stalking BCCI, not unlike that ex who simply refuses to go away

 

[big_gamer007]

I don’t really follow any sports news apart from PP so I might be wrong here but it seems PCB is the only board who gives out statements everyday and twice on sunday.. Everytime I come on cricket section here I see a statement from someone or the other from PCB earlier it used to be Sheryar khan and now Sethi...

In no other sport does the administrative body take so much of the footage it must be embarrassing for fans of pak cricket or maybe they are used to it by now..

 

[jagatk]

I am a bit confused, can someone explain what exactly right does PCB have here, as I understand FTP is a document which every board prepares with consultation of the other boards it seeks to play with, so this is basically a BCCI document which would have been created with inputs from other teams it will play, so how can PCB interfere in this rather who is going to ask it's permission in the first place for it to not give that permission.

 

[Pete Rose]

Although I am deeply pessimistic that this will resolve anything, I am curious to see where this goes.
Pakistan should be worried more about their own ftp viz-a-viz other countries. I see a more genuine case of disadvantagibg us if we don’t get to play enough tough test cricket against the other three. So our players ha e lesser chances of getting to 10k runs or 300+ wickets. There’s something wrong in a systemic that formalizes these advantages

 

[Shafi]

This will harm us in long run. Why force India to play with us? All the boards are obedient to BCCI and fighting with them will result a complete isolation in cricket . PCB will never learn

 

[Shafi]

Although I am deeply pessimistic that this will resolve anything, I am curious to see where this goes.
Pakistan should be worried more about their own ftp viz-a-viz other countries. I see a more genuine case of disadvantagibg us if we don’t get to play enough tough test cricket against the other three. So our players ha e lesser chances of getting to 10k runs or 300+ wickets. There’s something wrong in a systemic that formalizes these advantages

In our current setup we don’t have any potential player to get 10k or 300+ wickets except Yasir Shah

 

[Pete Rose]

In our current setup we don’t have any potential player to get 10k or 300+ wickets except Yasir Shah

That’s a separate and subjective debate. What matters is whether we play enough tests or not to give players the chance to get there. The current ftp will ensure that the aggregate charts are topped by players from Australia, England, South Africa, and India. The last decade or so has shown all teams to be poor travelers so none deserve to play more tests than the other.

 

[cricketjoshila]

So PCB will not play any team if they cannot play India?

These threats wont work.If ICC sides with PCB because such threats, then BCCI will also issue the same threat.We all know how that will end.

 

[Shutdown Corner]

I am curious to know what the PCB will do if they lose the appeal which is highly likely. If the PCB doesnt formulate a backup FTP, they will be left out altogether and can only play ZIM, IRE, and AFG as none of the other teams will be playing Tests outside the league system.

 

[Savak]

I fully support the PCB and Najam Sethi's efforts against the BCCI. If the BCCI can file a lawsuit against the WICB for $40 plus million dollars so can the PCB claim compensation against the BCCI.

 

[USofA]

Another one of those daily press statements from the PCB regarding India series and $$. This is of course in total contrast to the frequent posts on this forum of "PCB is doing just fine", "Do not need BCCI to survive".

Same thing going on for 4-5 years now.

 

[mummad]

PCB an it's delusions.

 

[maxamax]

Would be interesting to see how ICC would side their master BCCI here.

 

[the Great Khan]

the ICC has nearly two years to finalise the FTP. We are perfectly within our rights to bargain for our position. If we lose which seems likely it just means that we will not be compensated for the stupid idiotic idea of signing onto a MOU.

The PCB needs to get in line with the rest of our more prominent institutions and recognise that the Indian government has a policy to isolate us culturally, economically and diplomatically. The BCCI is just another tool in its long game. I am quite sure that if the BCCI were to be given the power to make an independent decision it would be happy to play us. However it has no reason to cause a problem with its own government in favour of Pakistan. We need to accept this reality.

The PCB should be looking at what their FTP is going to look like and also rescheduling their home season around India's. We should have a set home season and a set winter season. But alas that takes leadership and long term thinking which higher ups in the organisation lack.

 

[LastManstanding]

It is pertinent to mention here that while India hugely benefited after getting PCB’s vote in favour of ‘Big Three’ formula in world cricket back in 2014

No they didn't. PCB's vote was a mere formality. They already had vote of seven members and big 3 changes would have happened with or without PCB's support. Stop lying to your people Mr. Sethi.

 

[the Great Khan]

No they didn't. PCB's vote was a mere formality. They already had vote of seven members and big 3 changes would have happened with or without PCB's support. Stop lying to your people Mr. Sethi.

this. He is as usual being economical with the truth. At that time Sethi thought he could be a hero by brining Pakistan and India matches back. He saw dollar signs and his name in lights. While the Indians just laughed at him behind his back. The PCB have made many mistakes over the years but two of their biggest ones were 1) banning their own players from the ICL just because the BCCI wanted their own league.
b) agreeing to sort of play with India but not really , but then selling that as some kind of win.

 

[Prince of Pakistan]

What about the rest of the time from 2019/2020 on?

Will we do nothing about only playing 2 series in a year? I think that's worse than not playing India yet the PCB shows no effort to resolve this.

It's worrying how even winning the CT hasn't made playing Pak interesting for the big sides.

 

[Markhor]

Someone remind PCB there are other teams not called India. Our schedule has been a joke with these long gaps.

When will this MOU saga end ?

 

[GoUgandaCranes]

The irrelevance of PCB continues to grow yet there are still people who can't see that.

 

[MenInG]

PCB cannot turn back now - it will be painful but they will persevere and hopefully not make fools of themselves

 

[jadaja]

Sethi is delusional, nobody cares if PCB accepts FTP or not, other members will play India and India will play other nations.

Sethi is making some people here delusional with his absurd statements.IPL will have its windows, players will be happy to get their money, other boards will be happy that India will tour them.

Someone was comparing BCCI suing WI to what PCB wants to do, they are totally mistaken.That WI team stopped playing midway thru series after playing one ODI.Bilateral tours becoming legally binding once tour starts and team leaves in middle of the series without any security concerns.

Still BCCI withdrew that legal suit and rewarded WICB with a fresh Indian tour so all is well between WICB and BCCI.

I don't know how do guys like Sethi come up with these ridiculous statements.

 

[kingusama92]

 

[iRfaN_LA]

Is this a joke? Sethi is obsessed with India while our FTP against other teams is messed up. The distribution of matches is extremely unfair.

 

[Pete Rose]

Why does everyone assume that its all a zero sum game for Sethi.
I have no skin in this game, but it can be argued the the PCB might settle for more revenue from the ICC to compensate for its loss.
Currently the situation for the PCB is:
1 - they cany play at hom
2 - playing away from home is proving to be quite costly
3 - they are not getting enough cricket because of the relations with India.
There's plenty there for the ICC to feel uncomfortable about.

 

[htariq25]

And some people think najam sethi is a good pcb chairman....

 

[Allblacks2019]

Why does everyone assume that its all a zero sum game for Sethi.
I have no skin in this game, but it can be argued the the PCB might settle for more revenue from the ICC to compensate for its loss.
Currently the situation for the PCB is:
1 - they cany play at hom
2 - playing away from home is proving to be quite costly
3 - they are not getting enough cricket because of the relations with India.
There's plenty there for the ICC to feel uncomfortable about.

All of those are self inflicted wounds. ICC should ignore PCB's tantrums and move on. I mean what exactly PCB going to do? Spned more money that they don;t have on lawyers?

 

[adil_909]

Even though I think all this will come to nothing, it has to be said, India has no reason or excuse NOT to play us in a neutral venue. How can the indian government force their cricket team to not face us? FIFA can ban member organizations if its government interferes in direct sporting matters. And here it's obvious the indian government and BCCI are being bullies. Shouldn't be allowed

 

[Mr.Q]

One can understand PCB's anger. The proposed tournament didn't take place and they didn't get the money they were supposed to get through it. This is not the right thread to discuss the political side of it. So I'll just state the law regarding the compensation case assuming that there is a contract just for the sake of explaining it.

A and B enter into a contract where A promises B to do a certain thing in the future. Later on, due to some external factors beyond A's control (Govt's permission) the task becomes impossible to perform. The contract becomes void then itself. The only way B can look for a compensation is by proving that A was aware of the fact that the task will become impossible to perform in the future and was intentionally cheating B. In this case, it can easily be countered by presenting a letter from BCCI (or whatever formal record) asking the Govt. for permission and the Government's response declining it.
Even with a contract in place this is the situation.

 

[Allblacks2019]

Even though I think all this will come to nothing, it has to be said, India has no reason or excuse NOT to play us in a neutral venue. How can the indian government force their cricket team to not face us? FIFA can ban member organizations if its government interferes in direct sporting matters. And here it's obvious the indian government and BCCI are being bullies. Shouldn't be allowed

ICC is not FIFA is it? FIFA is not dependent on one nation for its survival like ICC is on BCCI. Untiil that changes, BCCI wil have considerable influence.

Until, all important matters are settled between india and Pakistan, silly stuff like people to people exchange and sports should wait.

 

[Savak]

Pakistani's are losers in general, will always side with a foreign entity which in this case BCCI against their own people. I fully back Sethi for taking the fight to the BCCI and the ICC even if it is against all the odds. If the BCCI refuses to play against the PCB then file for compensation and damages against the BCCI or the ICC for that matter but don't bow down and give the message that you consider it okay to be treated like a door mat. There is a reason why the PSL did not happen under previous PCB Chairman's but has happened under Sethi, because the later has guts and actually takes steps to get things done and does not over think or let his fears get the better of him in the face of risks.

 

[ManFan]

PCB to lose no matter what. BCCI has the ICC by the throat.

 

[Savak]

PCB to lose no matter what. BCCI has the ICC by the throat.

We have nothing more to lose so might as well take this fight to the end.

 

[ManFan]

We have nothing more to lose so might as well take this fight to the end.

Except there is no light at the end of the tunnel. PCB’s chickens are coming home to roost after signing the Big 3 Deal.

 

[Bleedgreen4ever]

Pakistani's are losers in general, will always side with a foreign entity which in this case BCCI against their own people. I fully back Sethi for taking the fight to the BCCI and the ICC even if it is against all the odds. If the BCCI refuses to play against the PCB then file for compensation and damages against the BCCI or the ICC for that matter but don't bow down and give the message that you consider it okay to be treated like a door mat. There is a reason why the PSL did not happen under previous PCB Chairman's but has happened under Sethi, because the later has guts and actually takes steps to get things done and does not over think or let his fears get the better of him in the face of risks.

Well said!

Atleast some board is showing spine.Problem with Pakistanis,never support each other.If ECB filed it the same Pakistanis would be supporting their stance and asking PCB to learn from them.

 

[kingusama92]

Well said!

Atleast some board is showing spine.Problem with Pakistanis,never support each other.If ECB filed it the same Pakistanis would be supporting their stance and asking PCB to learn from them.

Not necessarily.

Strauss has been roasted left, right, and center on PP for his PCB-style behavior with Stokes' case/selection.

Sethi is an exceptional chairman and I've supported his work for a while but this is one where it's a battle that's doing more harm than good. The battle is now transcending a typical PCB-BCCI issue and becoming more of a PCB vs everyone once they choose to reject the ICC FTP.

 

[Bleedgreen4ever]

Not necessarily.

Strauss has been roasted left, right, and center on PP for his PCB-style behavior with Stokes' case/selection.

Sethi is an exceptional chairman and I've supported his work for a while but this is one where it's a battle that's doing more harm than good. The battle is now transcending a typical PCB-BCCI issue and becoming more of a PCB vs everyone once they choose to reject the ICC FTP.

So what do you expect the PCB to do?

Sit back and watch other boards make money like in the last 8 years by playing against India.

They are not losing ANYTHING...If they were they would have not been included in the new FTP

 

[Donal Cozzie]

Pretty sure nothing is stopping the PCB organising more games.

Dont know why people are so surprised though, they've alienated 3 of their four closest boards (India, Afghanistan and Bangladesh) in the past 3 months alone.

 

[Pete Rose]

All of those are self inflicted wounds. ICC should ignore PCB's tantrums and move on. I mean what exactly PCB going to do? Spned more money that they don;t have on lawyers?

Yes they are. But they are in the past.
All I know is that it’s a pretty bad look for the icc if a major nation throws the toys out of the pram. And I think it is worth pushing them to own up to it.

 

[Pete Rose]

Pretty sure nothing is stopping the PCB organising more games.

Dont know why people are so surprised though, they've alienated 3 of their four closest boards (India, Afghanistan and Bangladesh) in the past 3 months alone.

If 3 to 4 countries in an eight country club decide to fill up their calendar it’s difficult to make room for other commitments. It effectively relegates Pakistan to playing with countries where the standard of cricket will not help when they eventually do play the major teams. It’s not just about the quantity of cricket but the quality as well

 

[kingusama92]

So what do you expect the PCB to do?

Sit back and watch other boards make money like in the last 8 years by playing against India.

They are not losing ANYTHING...If they were they would have not been included in the new FTP

You cut your losses and maintain positive relationships with other boards. Building on those relationships should lead to improved finances.

The moment it becomes a situation where boards (other than the BCCI) feel aggrieved, the PCB has no chance whatsoever. It will become a financial race and the BCCI is miles ahead in that regard. All boards will side with them.

 

[giri26]

Strange FTP proposal though. Can't believe Pakistan's low number. I was even surprised with their long break after the Sri Lankan series.

 

[asifp]

Strange FTP proposal though. Can't believe Pakistan's low number. I was even surprised with their long break after the Sri Lankan series.

The issue is that we are not competitive in Australia or South Africa. Their public dont want to see us play.

 

[Savak]

The issue is that we are not competitive in Australia or South Africa. Their public dont want to see us play.

India was also not competitive in those countries for a while. Same with other countries but they end up getting more games than us over there.

 

[Savak]

You cut your losses and maintain positive relationships with other boards. Building on those relationships should lead to improved finances.

The moment it becomes a situation where boards (other than the BCCI) feel aggrieved, the PCB has no chance whatsoever. It will become a financial race and the BCCI is miles ahead in that regard. All boards will side with them.

The PCB is only taking on the BCCI here, not the other boards, the PCB has always had decent relationships with other boards but unfortunately those other boards will always side with the BCCI and agree to everything the BCCI tells them to regardless of whether they have good or bad relationships with the PCB as the Big 3 voting episode showed when all the countries abandoned Pakistan and sided with BCCI in the end. The PCB has rightfully finally understood that other boards are just not good enough to be trusted and therefore the PCB should man up and fight their own battles with the ICC and BCCI which they are doing right now.

 

[Savak]

Not necessarily.

Strauss has been roasted left, right, and center on PP for his PCB-style behavior with Stokes' case/selection.

Sethi is an exceptional chairman and I've supported his work for a while but this is one where it's a battle that's doing more harm than good. The battle is now transcending a typical PCB-BCCI issue and becoming more of a PCB vs everyone once they choose to reject the ICC FTP.

If Sethi had listened to the defeatist attitude that this post reeks "Pick your battles wisely", "The risks outweigh the benefits", "not worth fighting everyone", he would not have been able to successfully hold 2 seasons of the PSL.

We have been treated like a door mat by the BCCI, the ICC and minnow boards like BCB, Afghanistan and other boards for too long now and it is time the PCB now fights its own battles aggressively without expecting anything from others and from relying on other boards. Every board will side with the BCCI on every issue at the end of the day and nothing they say can be taken at face value as the Big 3 episode proved.

 

[waleed88]

Pakistani's are losers in general, will always side with a foreign entity which in this case BCCI against their own people. I fully back Sethi for taking the fight to the BCCI and the ICC even if it is against all the odds. If the BCCI refuses to play against the PCB then file for compensation and damages against the BCCI or the ICC for that matter but don't bow down and give the message that you consider it okay to be treated like a door mat. There is a reason why the PSL did not happen under previous PCB Chairman's but has happened under Sethi, because the later has guts and actually takes steps to get things done and does not over think or let his fears get the better of him in the face of risks.

Good point!

 

[Allblacks2019]

Yes they are. But they are in the past.
All I know is that it’s a pretty bad look for the icc if a major nation throws the toys out of the pram. And I think it is worth pushing them to own up to it.

Own up to what? the state of pak as a country. Isn't the elephant in the room? PCB has no credibility in their promises or their threats. They are a firearm with no ammo. Doubt ICC will lose sleep if PCB decides to hold its breath and boycott icc tournaments

 

[Savak]

Own up to what? the state of pak as a country. Isn't the elephant in the room? PCB has no credibility in their promises or their threats. They are a firearm with no ammo. Doubt ICC will lose sleep if PCB decides to hold its breath and boycott icc tournaments

Think again. Pak-Indo contests generate the most amount of revenue for the ICC in these tournaments. There is a reason why the BCCI is always keen to play with Pakistan in tournaments but not billaterally especially in Pakistan's home series.

 

[Allblacks2019]

Gotta love the chutzpah though. start a war and year later demand cricket.

 

[Allblacks2019]

Think again. Pak-Indo contests generate the most amount of revenue for the ICC in these tournaments. There is a reason why the BCCI is always keen to play with Pakistan in tournaments but not billaterally especially in Pakistan's home series.

I beg to differ. India's life will be easier if Pak decides to boycott India 100%

 

[Allblacks2019]

The problems seem to be the same from PCB in the past 20+ years and continue try same tactics which haven't worked in the past.

why will this time be any different?

 

[giri26]

All try to keep the discussion on topic.

 

[Pete Rose]

Own up to what? the state of pak as a country. Isn't the elephant in the room? PCB has no credibility in their promises or their threats. They are a firearm with no ammo. Doubt ICC will lose sleep if PCB decides to hold its breath and boycott icc tournaments

Sure. I am not betting on how it will go. I am simply pointing out they have valid greviences despite the self owns by pcb. It’s extremist to fall back on if country is like this then everything that will come out of it will be the same

 

[Savak]

The problems seem to be the same from PCB in the past 20+ years and continue try same tactics which haven't worked in the past.

why will this time be any different?

When the ICC took the 2011 WC games away from Pakistan, the PCB filed a legal case against the ICC only for the ICC to request the PCB to withdraw the lawsuit and accept a $ millions in compensation instead.

 

[Allblacks2019]

When the ICC took the 2011 WC games away from Pakistan, the PCB filed a legal case against the ICC only for the ICC to request the PCB to withdraw the lawsuit and accept a $ millions in compensation instead.

They were given hosting fee to make them go away. that is becos there was a contract in place. In filing that claim PCB also made sure hat they would never ever host ICC tournaments.

 

[Savak]

They were given hosting fee to make them go away. that is becos there was a contract in place. In filing that claim PCB also made sure hat they would never ever host ICC tournaments.

The hosting fee and other compensation amounts were not being offered when the ICC announced the decision to take the games away from Pakistan, it is only when the PCB made noise and when push came to shove did the ICC decide to pacify the PCB and offer more compensation.

 

[Allblacks2019]

The hosting fee and other compensation amounts were not being offered when the ICC announced the decision to take the games away from Pakistan, it is only when the PCB made noise and when push came to shove did the ICC decide to pacify the PCB and offer more compensation.

I didn't see you mentioning anything about a contract in your message.

 

[kingusama92]

If Sethi had listened to the defeatist attitude that this post reeks "Pick your battles wisely", "The risks outweigh the benefits", "not worth fighting everyone", he would not have been able to successfully hold 2 seasons of the PSL.

We have been treated like a door mat by the BCCI, the ICC and minnow boards like BCB, Afghanistan and other boards for too long now and it is time the PCB now fights its own battles aggressively without expecting anything from others and from relying on other boards. Every board will side with the BCCI on every issue at the end of the day and nothing they say can be taken at face value as the Big 3 episode proved.

Don't need the "raging bull in a China shop" mindset either.

And most importantly, what is the goal of this move?

It won't lead to a series with India. It won't lead to compensation from the ICC since their new regulations specifically let each team pick its six competitors. Otherwise, India wouldn't have signed on. And no, the MOU doesn't have legal standing. If it did, this would have been wrapped up last year.

All this move will do is push the PCB away from other boards who are relying on a Test championship/ODI championship to make money.

 

[Savak]

Don't need the "raging bull in a China shop" mindset either.

And most importantly, what is the goal of this move?

It won't lead to a series with India. It won't lead to compensation from the ICC since their new regulations specifically let each team pick its six competitors. Otherwise, India wouldn't have signed on. And no, the MOU doesn't have legal standing. If it did, this would have been wrapped up last year.

All this move will do is push the PCB away from other boards who are relying on a Test championship/ODI championship to make money.

Again this defeatist mentality is the problem and the exact same reason why the PCB couldn't achieve anything in the last 10 years. In Sethi i have seen the PSL being held in both Dubai and Pakistan when there were so many defeatists who gave up at the first sign of obstacles and problems and didn't have the guts to take the risk. In Sethi i have seen international cricket return to Pakistan. I see a man who just gets things done and has the guts to venture into unchartered territory.

As far as your comments it wont lead to a series with India, it wont lead to any compensation from the BCCI or the ICC, it will lead to further isolation. Well the PCB cannot be anymore isolated then it has been so far, past history has shown that with all other cricketing and what happened when the Big 3 formula was being debated, no cricketing board is reliable and will never stand by the PCB vis a vis the BCCI or the ICC. The PCB is doing the right things by learning to fight their own battles without relying on anyone.

People said before that there can never be any international cricket in Pakistan and that it is too risky, Sethi proved them wrong. People said that the PSL can never be successful, can never be profitable and can never be held in Pakistan, Sethi proved them wrong as well.

I have full confidence in Sethi and the fact that he is not dumb, i am sure he consulted legal counsel about the PCB's chances for success in the lawsuit and back in 2014 the BCCI was making all sorts of promises in exchange for votes and for the PCB vote as well. A contract does not necessarily have to be written on a piece of paper to be valid or for any signatures to be on a piece of paper, a court can rule a contract verbally as well. I hope the PCB does not relent and give up and fights this to the very end in public and behind closed doors as well. Eventually when you harrass and annoy someone they eventually relent and are willing to conceede and give something in exchange for peace which i suspect is what the PCB is aiming to do here.

 

[AlizeeFan]

PCB is like the kid who tries to bully other kids, fights with them, drives them out of his house when they visit and then when they ignore him, complains to mommy about other kids being mean and somehow expects mommy to ensure that other kids do what he wants.

 

[Savak]

PCB is like the kid who tries to bully other kids, fights with them, drives them out of his house when they visit and then when they ignore him, complains to mommy about other kids being mean and somehow expects mommy to ensure that other kids do what he wants.

I have heard it all before now, the PCB being called a bully with respect to the BCCI.

 

[Varun]

There are at least 10 other countries other than India, including the new kids on the block Ireland and Afghanistan.

The PCB are free to schedule scores of games against these guys but since India is around they seem to have a one-track mind.

End of the day they are left with a shallow schedule - be it against India or any of these other teams.

 

[Savak]

There are at least 10 other countries other than India, including the new kids on the block Ireland and Afghanistan.

The PCB are free to schedule scores of games against these guys but since India is around they seem to have a one-track mind.

End of the day they are left with a shallow schedule - be it against India or any of these other teams.

India hasn't played any cricket with Pakistan in the last 10 years, have cancelled numerous home series which have ended up costing the PCB $70 m in losses and then went back on their word and promises of future series with Pakistan in exchange for the Big 3 vote. The BCCI must compensate the PCB for these losses or play the series that they deliberately avoided in the past and bailed out without explanation even on neutral territory.

 

[Varun]

India hasn't played any cricket with Pakistan in the last 10 years, have cancelled numerous home series which have ended up costing the PCB $70 m in losses and then went back on their word and promises of future series with Pakistan in exchange for the Big 3 vote. The BCCI must compensate the PCB for these losses or play the series that they deliberately avoided in the past and bailed out without explanation even on neutral territory.

But they are not doing any of this. And the PCB's response is not dissimilar to yours - just ranting and whining with no clear goal in mind.

If I were the PCB, I would go for the jugular and pack this fictional FTP with enough games without a single gap in the schedule, India or no India. Now that's called a response - but it's beyond the PCB.

 

[Allblacks2019]

India hasn't played any cricket with Pakistan in the last 10 years, have cancelled numerous home series which have ended up costing the PCB $70 m in losses and then went back on their word and promises of future series with Pakistan in exchange for the Big 3 vote. The BCCI must compensate the PCB for these losses or play the series that they deliberately avoided in the past and bailed out without explanation even on neutral territory.

This post is comedy gold. Big 3 vote past with Pak and SL abstaining in Feb 2014. Want to explain that? the big 3 deal was done and dusted. The MOU is legally worthless. Where exactly ios PC going to take BCCI court?

You rant and rave, but provide no details.

 

[AlizeeFan]

India hasn't played any cricket with Pakistan in the last 10 years, have cancelled numerous home series which have ended up costing the PCB $70 m in losses and then went back on their word and promises of future series with Pakistan in exchange for the Big 3 vote. The BCCI must compensate the PCB for these losses or play the series that they deliberately avoided in the past and bailed out without explanation even on neutral territory.

PCB has not invested a penny in organising those matches, so their loss is 0 so far.

 

[Savak]

This post is comedy gold. Big 3 vote past with Pak and SL abstaining in Feb 2014. Want to explain that? the big 3 deal was done and dusted. The MOU is legally worthless. Where exactly ios PC going to take BCCI court?

You rant and rave, but provide no details.

I think you should read up on contract law. A contract does not need to signed, written down on a legal piece of paper, a verbal agreement or a common understanding of the subject matter is enough and a court can agree a contract was made even if there is nothing signed on paper and in this case both the PCB and the BCCI signed on a document even if it is not legal. Any competent court will dig up facts, go back to newspaper articles, press releases and go back to how the BCCI was scurrying up votes and promising things in return for promises of future tours. The PCB should not drop this at any cost whatsoever.

 

[Savak]

PCB has not invested a penny in organising those matches, so their loss is 0 so far.

Wrong again, you need to read up on broadcast deals. The PCB suffered losses in broadcast deals when the BCCI failed to fulfil their obligations to tour Pakistan or to play Pakistan in a neutral venue. The BCCI needs to compensate the PCB for those losses along with other losses.

 

[Savak]

But they are not doing any of this. And the PCB's response is not dissimilar to yours - just ranting and whining with no clear goal in mind.

If I were the PCB, I would go for the jugular and pack this fictional FTP with enough games without a single gap in the schedule, India or no India. Now that's called a response - but it's beyond the PCB.

The PCB reserves the right to look after their own interests too. Just like you would say the likes of Australia, England, India don't gain much by playing minnows and by playing each other more, same goes for PCB. Playing all the time against minnows achieves nothing for the PCB financially and nothing for the Pakistani players who need to be exposed to the top players more consistently.

 

[Savak]

There are at least 10 other countries other than India, including the new kids on the block Ireland and Afghanistan.

The PCB are free to schedule scores of games against these guys but since India is around they seem to have a one-track mind.

End of the day they are left with a shallow schedule - be it against India or any of these other teams.

The PCB has done exactly that for the last 10 years, they are rightfully bringing India and the ICC to the table now and demanding either play us or compensate us for the losses as this state of affairs cannot continue forever.

 

[navin]

Wrong again, you need to read up on broadcast deals. The PCB suffered losses in broadcast deals when the BCCI failed to fulfil their obligations to tour Pakistan or to play Pakistan in a neutral venue. The BCCI needs to compensate the PCB for those losses along with other losses.

PCB's loses are akin to this story

 

[Varun]

The PCB has done exactly that for the last 10 years, they are rightfully bringing India and the ICC to the table now and demanding either play us or compensate us for the losses as this state of affairs cannot continue forever.

Not gonna happen, and the PCB know it too.

This twisting in the wind is entirely intentional and in typical PCB fashion is only done for media appeal to lure gullible fans into believing that they can be let off the hook from the difficult task of scheduling and playing games because of the evil BCCI/ICC.

So many gaps in that calendar, nothing stopping the PCB from ringing NZ or SA and holding 2 tests / 5 ODIs whatever. Such series have happened before, and will happen in future. Heck, Pakistan are due to play New Zealand in a matter of days. As if the BCCI cares about such series to actively campaign on having them stopped.

 

[Hitman]

Is $70 million such a huge amount for the PCB?

 

[JattMaula]

Is $70 million such a huge amount for the PCB?

It may be. They sold their contracted players to competing league for $400k.

 

[cricketjoshila]

Wrong again, you need to read up on broadcast deals. The PCB suffered losses in broadcast deals when the BCCI failed to fulfil their obligations to tour Pakistan or to play Pakistan in a neutral venue. The BCCI needs to compensate the PCB for those losses along with other losses.

BCCI has no obligation to any broadcaster PCB signs a deal with. BCCI didnt ask PCB to sign a deal where 60% of the money was dependent on BCCI touring them. PCB isnt going to get a tour by India in forseeable future and neither they will get a dime from India.

 

[cricketjoshila]

India hasn't played any cricket with Pakistan in the last 10 years, have cancelled numerous home series which have ended up costing the PCB $70 m in losses and then went back on their word and promises of future series with Pakistan in exchange for the Big 3 vote. The BCCI must compensate the PCB for these losses or play the series that they deliberately avoided in the past and bailed out without explanation even on neutral territory.

How difficult it is to understand that India will not play Pakistan just like England doesnt tour ZIM or some countries dont play Israel and so on.

BCCI is not liable to explain PCB anything. There is no court outside India that can force BCCI to pay a dime to PCB.

 

[cricketjoshila]

Is $70 million such a huge amount for the PCB?

There whole Broadcast deal is worth 150mn in 5 years out of which 90mn is dependent on India tour.So 70mn is indeed big for them.

 

[R0H1T]

It may be. They sold their contracted players to competing league for $400k.

So cheap, I thought they were worth a lot more than that, not to mention their pride ~ woe is me