Pakistan traveling to India can only be decided by government, says Najam Sethi

Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) new chairman Najam Sethi said that there is nothing the Board can do if the Pakistan government refuses to give clearance for the team to travel to India.

Sethi was referring to the comments made by his predecessor Ramiz Raja who threatened that Pakistan will boycott the 2023 ODI World Cup if their hosting rights for the 2023 Asia Cup will be taken away by the Asian Cricket Council (ACC).

"Where Pakistan and India’s cricket relations are concerned, let’s be clear. (The)decisions on whether to play or not play tour or not tour are always taken at the government level. These are decisions only taken at the government level; the PCB can only seek clarity," Sethi told reporters in Karachi on Monday.

Raja was incensed by BCCI secretary and ACC president Jay Shah's comments when he said that the Asia Cup will be moved to a neutral venue as the Indian team will not travel to Pakistan.

Sethi also spoke about a possible return for Raja to the commentary box. However, those things look difficult after Raja lashed out at Sethi and the overhaul of the Board.

"I will see what the situation is and then move forward. Any decision we take, we have to make sure we are not isolated. I have a lot of respect for Ramiz and we would never oppose him returning to the commentary box," Sethi said.

With current head coach Saqlain Mushtaq's contract ending in January, PCB are most likely to re-appoint former coach Mickey Arthur.

"Mickey is presently contracted with Derbyshire and I have spoken to him. The situation will become clear in the next 8-10 days and we have sought his advice on the new coaching setup for the team," Sethi said.

"When he (Arthur) was with the team, he did a lot of good work and he was responsible for pushing Babar Azam forward. He also maintained a lot of discipline and fitness in the team. I believe he will be good for the team again if he is available," Sethi added.

(With inputs from PTI)