'BCCI has never refused to play against Pakistan'- Former PCB chairman Tauqir Zia

Former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Tauqir Zia has claimed that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) have never refused to play with arch-rivals Pakistan in bilateral cricket.

Speaking to Cricket Pakistan in an exclusive interview, Zia said that BCCI's reluctance is not the reason behind India and Pakistan not locking horns in bilateral cricket, it's the political tension between two nations which has proved to be a roadblock.

"BCCI has never refused to play against us [Pakistan]. The problem lies on the government-to-government level. Both cricketing boards are currently run by former cricketers who understand the importance of Pakistan-India matches. Sourav Ganguly and Ramiz Raja both want to promote cricket and there is nothing better than seeing a contest between these rivals,"said Tauqir Zia.

Recently, current PCB chairman Rameez Raja came up with a proposal of an annual T20 quadrangular tournament, involving India, Pakistan, Australia and England.

While Tauqir hailed it as a 'great idea', he claimed that it's not a practical one given the fact that there are so many franchise-based events happening throughout the calendar year.

"Although the four-nation series was a great idea there are already so many franchise-model tournaments happening throughout the year. Because of this, I do not think there will be enough room left to gather the four nations in one timeframe," he said.

The idea proposed by Raja was eventually 'unanimously rejected' during an ICC meeting earlier this month.

Following the meeting, Raja had said, "Great discussion regarding four Nations series at the ICC meeting. As a concept, it was welcomed and debated upon and seen as promoting the interest in the game. Fingers crossed. More when I am back at the office tomorrow."

The  bilateral cricket between India and Pakistan was suspended following the Mumbai terror attack in 2008.

The two nations did play a bilateral ODI and T20I series in India in the winter of 2012/13, but their meetings have been restricted to multi-nation events like the Asia Cup and World Cups since then.

The arch-rivals will lock horns in the upcoming Asia Cup and T20 World Cup later this year.