Indo-Pak veteran cricketers too await "green signal"

By Bipin Dani

MUMBAI (TheSportsNext) July 19, 2012: With the BCCI clearance coming and the Indian government green signal likely on cards for the resumption of bilateral series between India and Pakistan, the veteran players of both nations are also hoping for some "good news".

Fawad Ijaz Khan, the chairman of the Pakistan Veterans Cricket Association (PVCA) is believed to have been in touch with former India player, Chetan Chauhan to move the matter further. 

Indo-Pak Cricket Ties

Confirming the same from Karachi, he said, "I had discussed with Chetan Chauhan a month ago, either to bring India's veteran team to play in Pakistan or invite our senior players to play in India. Chauhan, at that time was very positive but since he could not have done so without the consent of the Indian cricket board".

Former India opener, Chetan Chauhan is the president of the Veterans Cricket Association of India (VCAI).

"When we hear the news about the resumption of the game between the two nations after five long years, I again tried to contact Chetan in India on Tuesdasy but he is believed to be in USA and unlikely to return before August 10. I may now leave for USA for my official work and meet him over there", Fawad Ijaz Khan said.

"I have an approval ready from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to resume the ties", he added.

"The international retired players above 35-are called Seniors and the retired domestic players above 40 are known as Seniors in Pakistan. The same criteria for above 50 and 60 years of age are known as veterans and super veterans in Pakistan", he further added. 

"We would like to inform you that we have no objection on tour of Indian Senior Team and assure you for our utmost support to you in holding of this series", Intikhab Alam, the PCB's Game Development Director has written in the NOC, the copy of which has been seen by this reporter.

"You are hereby advised to preferably invite recently Retired Players and avoid inviting any barred players for smooth conduction of the series", the NOC further says.