We can survive without playing India: PCB chairman

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Shahryar Khan said on Tuesday that while Pakistan would survive if India refuses to play a scheduled series in the UAE, the cricketing body would be forced to cut their budget by over 50%.

Addressing reporters outside Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium after a board of governors meeting, he said Pakistan would survive without playing against India but the PCB would have to take drastic measures by down-sizing.

“We can survive without them. We won’t get the bonus but we will be fine,” he said in response to a question about the consequences if India’s tour is cancelled.

Shahryar said that in this regard two financial budgets have been designed in view of both possibilities.

“For the time being, the financial budget has been designed but we have to work on two budgets; if India visits, and if India refuses to play the series in the UAE,” said Shahryar.

“The whole budget is dependent by more than 50% on the India series. If the series does not happen, it will cause problems for PCB.”

Shahryar further clarified that the Pakistan Super League (PSL) will not be affected by the loss in budget.

“We completely support PSL. According to our estimation, PSL will go into loss but it will not be considerably big,” said Shahryar.

“If we reach a break even this year, then it will be a success for us. But we will make sure that PSL is successful as an event.” Meanwhile, Shahryar reiterated the claim he made earlier that Pakistan will not visit India to play the series.

“There is no security issue in the UAE. India should visit the UAE as per the Memorandum of Understanding,” he said.

“The prime minister has all the information about what is happening and we are waiting for India’s reply. It is now or never for India to decide if they are going to visit the UAE to play us. We supported the Big Three as a mutual consensus. If they (India) are not abiding by their promise to play a home series against Pakistan then we are not bound to keep our promises.”

When asked if Pakistan would visit India to play the World Twenty20 next year, Shahryar said it was premature to comment on the topic. However, he added that PCB would present all options to the prime minister and he would decide if the Pakistan team should visit India for the tournament.