"We would love to get India and Pakistan back together again on a regular basis" : Greg Barclay

[MenInG]

"We would love to get India and Pakistan back together again on a regular basis" : Greg Barclay

New Delhi, November 30: Having been a New Zealand Cricket representative on the board of the International Cricket Council (ICC) before taking over as chairman, Greg Barclay has seen the constant differences between BCCI and PCB from close quarters.

The recently appointed chairman has promised to do his best to get the two countries on the same page with regards to cricketing matters. Answering a query on the relationship between the Board of Control for Cricket in India and the Pakistan Cricket Board, Barclay said some of the things are beyond cricket.

But the ICC will be looking to do its best to ensure cricketing relations continue between the two countries.

"I would love nothing more than for India and Pakistan to be able to continue cricketing relations as they were previously. I am also enough of a realist to understand that there are geo-political issues at play here. I think all we can do at the ICC is to continue to help and support in any way that we can to bring about outcomes that would see India and Pakistan in a position where they can play cricket regularly against each other and in their home territories.

"Beyond that, I do not think I have the mandate or ability to influence the outcomes more than that. That is really being done at a level way beyond where we would be operating," he explained.

"Rest assured that from the cricketing point of view, we would love to get those countries back together again on a regular basis. The ICC will do whatever it can to help facilitate and support an outcome that might see that happen," he said.

The Indian government has made it clear that actions that hurt the interest of the country must stop before India resumes bilateral cricketing ties with Pakistan. This has seen them face-off only in showpiece events like the ICC events or the Asia Cup.

https://www.mykhel.com/cricket/icc-...nd-pakistan-chairman-greg-barclay-156695.html

 

[MenInG]

We can understand why BCCI favoured him so much.

 

[szrana007]

Not gonna happen for foreseeable future.

 

[Artaxerxes]

Pakistan should never play India again in India or outside India.

 

[Saurav]

Pakistan should never play India again in India or outside India.

Please withdraw from WC T20 2021 then

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

Please withdraw from WC T20 2021 then

I think he is talking about bilateral series. His opinion is also shared by most of the indians.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Talking about this issue is like flogging a dead horse.

 

[Artaxerxes]

Please withdra from WC T20 2021 then

I don't have the power to do so.If I had the authority I would do it.

 

[shamaan]

Please withdraw from WC T20 2021 then

It may in UAE ?

 

[UzmanBeast]

It may in UAE ?

I've heard that news as well, depends on how long it takes for COVID-19 Vaccine to reach players.

On the topic of India-Pakistan Cricket, I think it's fair to say that both boards have accepted that it is not in their combined interest to host such a series, and as a result, have focused their attention elsewhere. I can't speak for BCCI on this matter, but from what I've seen with the PCB, they're more than happy to just host teams like New Zealand, South Africa, Australia etc. rather than worrying about bilateral series. If both boards are making money, then there is no reason to host such bilateral events.

 

[Mamoon]

I have said if before and I will say it again.

No bilateral cricket with India over the last 5-6 years is the best thing that has happened to the dignity of Pakistan cricket.

The 15+ Tests, 25-30 ODIs and 20+ T20Is in this age of social media would have been enough for Pakistan cricket to lose a big chunk of its hyper fan base.

The bitter taste that we had in the 2018 Asia Cup without Kohli is a glimpse of what would have happened to Pakistan in bilateral cricket over the last few years.

Yes yes I remember Aane Do series and Afridi sixes to Ashwin and of course the CT final....

 

[hitthestump]

Please withdraw from WC T20 2021 then

Lol at this. This guy is projecting a minority view within Pakistan, but his view represents the majority in India, so you can't really call him out bud.

I would love to have bilateral series with India on a regular basis. It can only be a good thing. The gulf in sides right now is no reason not to play you - we've had plenty of glory years over you already so who cares if the tide has turned for now.

It will take India learning to put the hatred to the side and allow top level sportsmen to play sports without politics needing to be involved, because Pakistan is certainly ready.

 

[HappyWarsFan]

I have said if before and I will say it again.

No bilateral cricket with India over the last 5-6 years is the best thing that has happened to the dignity of Pakistan cricket.

The 15+ Tests, 25-30 ODIs and 20+ T20Is in this age of social media would have been enough for Pakistan cricket to lose a big chunk of its hyper fan base.

The bitter taste that we had in the 2018 Asia Cup without Kohli is a glimpse of what would have happened to Pakistan in bilateral cricket over the last few years.

Yes yes I remember Aane Do series and Afridi sixes to Ashwin and of course the CT final....

I think Pakistan vs India in tests would have been competitive during 2011-16. Misbah, YK, Ajmal/Yasir, Rehman, Hafeez and even people like Taufeeq were pretty good especially in Asia. India were in rebuilding at that time as well. I actually rated the test team during that period of time and think they could have beaten India in a series.

 

[Mamoon]

I think Pakistan vs India in tests would have been competitive during 2011-16. Misbah, YK, Ajmal/Yasir, Rehman, Hafeez and even people like Taufeeq were pretty good especially in Asia. India were in rebuilding at that time as well. I actually rated the test team during that period of time and think they could have beaten India in a series.

That team struggled against Sri Lanka quite a bit so I am not sure. India had the answers to our tactics.

I think the series in UAE could have ended 0-0 or maybe 1-0 to India, but if India were to prepare rank-turners at home, we would lose badly. There is no way our batsmen except Younis and Misbah could handle Ashwin and Jadeja on their turf.

In spite of Yasir, I don’t see Pakistan taking 20 wickets against Indian batsmen on traditional Asian wickets even in their rebuilding phase.

 

[Saj]

All hot air.

Nothing will change, the ICC will sit and watch.

Move on from this.

 

[UP]

BCCI has killed or is killing the domination India could have had over Pakistan. This era was/is their best chance to equal head to head. They could have taken revenge of the phaintas Pak used to give them over the past decades.

 

[Saj]

Part of me is pleased that India and Pakistan are not playing against each other on a regular basis, otherwise there could have been plenty of painful days in all formats.

 

[shamaan]

I've heard that news as well, depends on how long it takes for COVID-19 Vaccine to reach players.

On the topic of India-Pakistan Cricket, I think it's fair to say that both boards have accepted that it is not in their combined interest to host such a series, and as a result, have focused their attention elsewhere. I can't speak for BCCI on this matter, but from what I've seen with the PCB, they're more than happy to just host teams like New Zealand, South Africa, Australia etc. rather than worrying about bilateral series. If both boards are making money, then there is no reason to host such bilateral events.

Yes definitely they are more interested in hosting the teams you metioned as both boards know it wont happen to host each other

 

[Saj]

There will come a time in international cricket where the major 3 or 4 teams will by and large just play against each other, whilst other nations fight for scraps.

Sad reality really.

 

[Artaxerxes]

There will come a time in international cricket where the major 3 or 4 teams will by and large just play against each other, whilst other nations fight for scraps.

Sad reality really.

Cricket should have two divisions.Points should be awarded in tests,
ODIs and T20s.The best two teams from division two should be promoted to
division one and the worse two teams from division one demoted.This will
give incentive to teams to compete hard.

 

[UzmanBeast]

Yes definitely they are more interested in hosting the teams you metioned as both boards know it wont happen to host each other

As a fan, I am completely fine with no bilateral cricket. PSL is coming along nicely, and we have some good home tours lined up. I am more worried about our squad selections and player development than worried about playing bilateral at the moment.

 

[shamaan]

As a fan, I am completely fine with no bilateral cricket. PSL is coming along nicely, and we have some good home tours lined up. I am more worried about our squad selections and player development than worried about playing bilateral at the moment.

Very good point if we can get the player development right we can have a good team in 1 year or so

 

[Corridor of Uncertainty]

To paraphrase George Barclay, here is what he said on India-Pakistan resuming ties: ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

 

[Gabbar Singh]

Virat Kohli will end his career not having played a test vs Pakistan. Babar Azam probably will too.

A sad state of affairs.

 

[UzmanBeast]

Very good point if we can get the player development right we can have a good team in 1 year or so

Haider needs to learn how to play with more cricketing sense, not just come out and bang the ball on ODIs. (ODI)

Shadab needs to determine what he wants to be, either batting all-rounder or bowling all-rounder. (ALL)

Depending on Shadab's decision, we need to integrate Usman Qadir into white-ball formats. (T20,ODI)

Zafar Gohar needs to be brought into the test team to see how he does. (TESTS)

If Fawad Alam/Azhar Ali do not perform, replace them with Saud Shakeel and someone else. (TESTS)

If Abid Ali can't perform consistently, try bringing Imam-Ul-Haq into the team again. (TESTS)

If Hasan Ali is fit, try him in tests as well. (TESTS)

Integrate Danish Aziz into the lower order as a finisher, paired up with Khushdil Shah (T20, ODI)

Find a keeper for white-ball cricket (Maybe Rohail if he can improve his hitting ability, could also be Azam Khan if he gets his fitness right.)

Hopefully we see Naseem learning how to swing the ball.

 

[Saj]

Virat Kohli will end his career not having played a test vs Pakistan. Babar Azam probably will too.

A sad state of affairs.

Yes that really hammers home the meaning of all this.

The interesting thing is that now was the time for India to claw back on the stats of matches won.

 

[the Great Khan]

We don't play with fascists..it's like asking China to play against imperial Japan in the thirties..

 

[hitthestump]

Cricket should have two divisions.Points should be awarded in tests,
ODIs and T20s.The best two teams from division two should be promoted to
division one and the worse two teams from division one demoted.This will
give incentive to teams to compete hard.

If/when England become bad at cricket again then the game will regress. We're in an English golden era and the fan interaction is there, yet the sport still struggles to be top 5 in the country.

It wasn't that long ago when England couldn't sell out their test summers. When plain teams like India and NZ used to visit attendances were poor.

Add a 2 tier system and as soon as England slip into the bottom we'll go back to the days where nobody in the country will care.

Same for Aus, SA and NZ. Too many competing sports which they're actually good at.

 

[Babbar]

I understand that this is cricket forum but many in India (and am sure in Pakistan) do want cricket to fade a little away. We need to invest in Athletics, Football, Swimming, Boxing, Tennis, Chess, Basketball, Archery, Gymnastics etc.

India has started to do a little better (not a whole lot) in some games. But it’s still pathetic compared to China or even small European countries due to lack of sponsorship, coaching and media bandwidth.

Even state under-19 cricket players are more known than world-leading Indian shooters, archers, athletics and chess players.

Even Indian hockey is in top 4 right now. And Hockey is played worldwide (Argentina, Chile, Belgium, Spain, South Africa, Germany, Holland, China, France, Japan, Korea, UK, Australia, NZ, Pak, Malaysia etc). But not many know Indian Hockey stars. India hockey is at its best compared to any time in the last 40 years. Relative to Hockey, Cricket is just played by a faded Colonial power and its few ex-colonies. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FIH_World_Rankings

Right now this cricket craze in only in India, Pakistan & Bangladesh, where even the risk of hundreds of covid deaths can be brushed away if there’s minor inconvenience to the exalted Cricket stars, most of who have not achieved anything yet.

I won’t mind T-20 to be just a franchise circus for quick entertainment and Tests to be only Bilaterals. Only ODIs need a world cup. No other game has world cups in multiple different formats.

 

[Hitman]

I'd give an arm and leg to watch India and Pakistan play bilateral series. I'm so bloody desperate for it. And that's because of our inferior head to head record against Pakistan.

 

[Caved12]

I'd give an arm and leg to watch India and Pakistan play bilateral series. I'm so bloody desperate for it. And that's because of our inferior head to head record against Pakistan.

Back in 80s and 90s, I think Indians were more friendly towards Pakistan cricket and the majority of public did not agree with mixing politics with cricket, but this newer generation seem to be hating everything related Pakistan or Pakistan cricket. Issues were always there, but the public from both sides understood the ugly side of politics and stayed away from all their dramas. Do you think I am right? just asking

 

[Hitman]

Back in 80s and 90s, I think Indians were more friendly towards Pakistan cricket and the majority of public did not agree with mixing politics with cricket, but this newer generation seem to be hating everything related Pakistan or Pakistan cricket. Issues were always there, but the public from both sides understood the ugly side of politics and stayed away from all their dramas. Do you think I am right? just asking

My honest opinion, it's got nothing to do with the people, it's got to do with the Government of India. The current BJP Govt. is completely against resuming any type of ties with Pakistan, let alone cricket.

It makes me sick that we have not played bilaterals with Pakistan since 2007. We are lingering behind them in both the Test and ODI head to head record. It was our time to rectify our record against Pakistan. We have let it slip away from our hands.

 

[Caved12]

My honest opinion, it's got nothing to do with the people, it's got to do with the Government of India. The current BJP Govt. is completely against resuming any type of ties with Pakistan, let alone cricket.

It makes me sick that we have not played bilaterals with Pakistan since 2007. We are lingering behind them in both the Test and ODI head to head record. It was our time to rectify our record against Pakistan. We have let it slip away from our hands.

I respect your opinion, and I agree that it is the govt of India that is not letting this happen.

 

[Abu_Hamza]

It was Congress GOVT. that failed to understand the mood of the nation after the MUMBAI ATTACK of 26/11 in 2008 as India invited Pak to play in 2013 when it was Congress Govt in power. And this move was heavily criticised. This was also an issue in the general elections 2014. Congress did a blunder and paid the price. So cant blame the BJP Govt for current scenario. Even if BJP does so then they too will suffer. They wont allow BCCI to make money on the cost of losing election.

 

[Abu_Hamza]

Its India refusing Pak to play with them not the other way around. Its now that PCB has understood that its Indian Govt. not the BCCI calling the shots. Not to forget that now Jayesh Shah is the 2nd man after Ganguly in BCCI after the departure of COA, and Jayesh Shah is son of Amit Shah who is the Home Minister of India. So now the refusal is from the BCCI level too.

 

[Mamoon]

We don't play with fascists..it's like asking China to play against imperial Japan in the thirties..

Don’t worry, we will play the fascists in the World Cup next year just like we did in the World Cup last year.

We will also get smashed by the fascists next year like we did last year.

 

[Rana]

Don’t worry, we will play the fascists in the World Cup next year just like we did in the World Cup last year.

We will also get smashed by the fascists next year like we did last year.

New Zealand are not Fascists.

 

[shamaan]

Haider needs to learn how to play with more cricketing sense, not just come out and bang the ball on ODIs. (ODI)

Shadab needs to determine what he wants to be, either batting all-rounder or bowling all-rounder. (ALL)

Depending on Shadab's decision, we need to integrate Usman Qadir into white-ball formats. (T20,ODI)

Zafar Gohar needs to be brought into the test team to see how he does. (TESTS)

If Fawad Alam/Azhar Ali do not perform, replace them with Saud Shakeel and someone else. (TESTS)

If Abid Ali can't perform consistently, try bringing Imam-Ul-Haq into the team again. (TESTS)

If Hasan Ali is fit, try him in tests as well. (TESTS)

Integrate Danish Aziz into the lower order as a finisher, paired up with Khushdil Shah (T20, ODI)

Find a keeper for white-ball cricket (Maybe Rohail if he can improve his hitting ability, could also be Azam Khan if he gets his fitness right.)

Hopefully we see Naseem learning how to swing the ball.

I agree with all your points baring imaam

 

[UzmanBeast]

I agree with all your points baring imaam

Imam is only 24 years old, and he's a mainstay in the ODI team despite his unbearably slow starts. Abid is in question primarily due to the fact that he does not have age on his side, which is something Imam does.

 

[shamaan]

Imam is only 24 years old, and he's a mainstay in the ODI team despite his unbearably slow starts. Abid is in question primarily due to the fact that he does not have age on his side, which is something Imam does.

Defonitely he would be around my odi team but he hasnt been given given a proper run in tests so i won't judge him

 

[MenInG]

Stick to topic guys.

 

[sharmaji]

It is my dream to watch India and Pakistan play test series. I don't care about the records and such. I just want to enjoy the cricket between Ind and Pak. I hate the politicians for ruining our cricket relations.

 

[UzmanBeast]

It is my dream to watch India and Pakistan play test series. I don't care about the records and such. I just want to enjoy the cricket between Ind and Pak. I hate the politicians for ruining our cricket relations.

Politics does affect the situation to a certain extent, but PCB also made a braindead move in the second edition of the IPL and refused to send our players. Had our players been allowed to go, we might have seen sport connect the two arch-rival countries.

 

[Firebat]

An India-Pakistan test series would be an absolute dream as a product, even regardless of cricket quality.

 

[Forward Defensive Push]

It is my dream to watch India and Pakistan play test series. I don't care about the records and such. I just want to enjoy the cricket between Ind and Pak. I hate the politicians for ruining our cricket relations.

Actually Pakistan and India produced absolutely dull and dire test cricket in the 2000s when I watched. It's the ODIs that really define the rivalry between our nations. Even a weak Pakistan could beat the strongest side India ever fielded.

 

[Forward Defensive Push]

An India-Pakistan test series would be an absolute dream as a product, even regardless of cricket quality.

India - Pakistan test matches will be borefests. Phattas will be prepared to ensure host teams don't lose and even mediocre batsmen will rake up runs.