'India, Pakistan can play tri-nation series at some point' - Ramiz Raja

Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Ramiz Raja is hopeful of India and Pakistan facing each other in the tri-nation series. India and Pakistan won't play bilateral series thus Raja wants the teams to play in triangular tournaments. However, that too is easier said than done. Raja further said it will be difficult for India to pull out of the global events scheduled in Pakistan. Pakistan are set to host the 2025 Champions Trophy.

"It is hard to get a bilateral series with India but tri-nation series can be held at some point," said Ramiz in a virtual interaction with the press. "As far as the international tournaments are concerned, it is not easy to pull out. Because in that case, there is pressure. And all these things are presented to the boards and I don’t think this will happen."

Meanwhile, India sports minister Anurag Thakur revealed that a decision on allowing the Indian team to play in Pakistan will be taken at an appropriate time. India last toured in Pakistan in 2004-05 "When time comes will see what to do. Home ministry will be involved in decision making. A lot of countries have pulled out of going to Pakistan due to security issues. Will assess the security then and decide," Thakur told reporters.

Raja said he shares a good relation with BCCI president Sourav Ganguly and both of them are keen to improve cricketing ties between the countries. "With regards to my working relationship with Sourav Ganguly, I have that. We spoke about numerous things and how can we take the world cricket forward. There should be a benefit for everyone since cricketers are holding these positions and it is easier to talk since the bond is there. It won’t be easy and as long as there are political hurdles involved, things won’t move forward," he added