Pakistan
Hockey Players' Behaviour Can Affect Cricket Ties With India: PCB Chief
The
Indian hockey body lashed out at the Pakistani players after their celebrations
went over the top following their victory over the hosts in the semifinal of
the tournament last week.
The
chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Shaharyar Khan has said that the
recent incident in India involving the national hockey team players can have
adverse effects on the cricketing ties between the two countries.
Khan,
who had served as High Commissioner in New Delhi, felt that while political and
diplomatic relations between the two countries remained tense on a regular
basis the Indian media and public had also developed negative feelings about
Pakistan after the incident in the Champions Trophy hockey tournament.
"Yes
it could have adverse effects and it could affect any chances of our players
being invited for the Indian Premier League," Khan told 'Geo Super'
channel.
The Indian hockey body lashed out at the Pakistani
players after their celebrations went over the top following their victory
over the hosts in the semifinal of
the tournament last week.
Khan said even in most difficult situations the relations
between Pakistan and Indian cricket boards had remained cordial. (Two
Pakistan hockey players suspended for obscene gestures towards crowd)
"What
had happened left its negative impact but so far we have good relations with
the Indian board," he added.
He
felt the bail granted on Thursday to Abdul Rehman Lakhvi in the Mumbai terror
attacks case will also lead to negative reactions in India about Pakistan.
"We
are maintaining good relations with the Indian board even at the ICC level and
we are looking forward to hosting India in the bilateral series next year in
UAE," the PCB chief said.
Asked about the delay
in issuance of visa to Pakistan's Mohammad Hafeez to fly to Chennai for his bowling action test, Khan said efforts were
being made at the highest level to get the visa as soon as possible.
"There
has been a delay but I have spoken to our High Commissioner in India and
hopefully Hafeez will be able to proceed to Chennai soon. As soon as the visa
comes we will send him because the bowling centre in Chennai is accredited by
the ICC," he noted.
Pasted
from <http:sports.ndtv.com