The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and its Pakistan counterpart are all set to meet in Dubai on Monday but, for all it's worth, the discussions are unlikely to yield anything constructive as far as bilateral cricket between the two countries is confirmed. BCCI, to be represented by its acting secretary Amitabh Choudhary, has agreed to meet PCB officials - headed by chairman Shaharyar Khan - after both the boards exchanged letters early this month. PCB sought damages from the BCCI while the BCCI, in reply, informed PCB that "the matter must be viewed in context including the diplomatic relationship between India and Pakistan."

The Indian board had also written to the PCB on the same lines on May 10, a week after they received a notice from PCB seeking damages totalling Rs 447 crore, and is of the firm opinion that in the present circumstances the matter of cricket between India and Pakistan is not one for the cricket boards to decide but a far more important issue that involves diplomatic relations.

"It is not for us (BCCI) to take a call on it," a senior official in the know of things said. BCCI's letter to PCB states: "BCCI is not liable to compensate the PCB as asserted (by PCB)," the BCCI has told PCB, in a letter, a copy of which is with TOI.

"BCCI is not responsible for not (i) engaging in a limited over format short tour to Pakistan in November 2014; and or (ii) playing the series scheduled for December 2015 since the same (as you are well aware) are, by their very nature, dependent on a whole host of factors including but not limited to the absence of necessary approvals permissions clearances (including from the government of India), which are beyond the control of BCCI."
 

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