New Delhi, April 16 (NationPress) Former IPL chairman Lalit Modi asserts that the likelihood of a bilateral cricket series between India and Pakistan is effectively null due to the political interference within the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). He mentioned that there could have been 'some traction' if the PCB had not turned the situation into a political matter.

In a discussion with former England captain Michael Vaughan, Modi rejected the notion that hosting matches at a neutral venue would rekindle cricketing relationships between the two countries, emphasizing that the root issue stems from the escalating political sway over the PCB.

Modi reiterated that the prospects for improvement remain bleak, thus negating any hopes of a bilateral series in the foreseeable future. "I fear that it may not be possible in the near future, primarily because of the politicisation by the Pakistan Cricket Board in Pakistan and unfortunately, that's the way it is," he stated on the Stick to Cricket podcast.

He pointed out that independent decision-making within cricketing realms has diminished, complicating the organization of matches between the two nations. Modi also raised concerns about the safety of players due to the tense atmosphere surrounding India-Pakistan clashes.

"I was the one that brought Pakistani players into the IPL and then I had to relocate them after the 26/11 attacks in Bombay. The issue is if the Pakistan Cricket Board operated independently, without political influences, we would see some progress. However, today, the PCB is heavily politicized by those in power, complicating matters further. We face tension at the political level, and it is unlikely to dissipate, only intensifying. Hence, I am concerned for the players,” he remarked.

Since the conclusion of the 2012-13 season, India and Pakistan have not conducted regular bilateral cricket series. Following Pakistan's tour of India in January 2013, bilateral matches ceased due to escalating political tensions and security concerns. Since then, encounters have been limited to multi-national tournaments such as the ICC World Cup and the Asia Cup.

In addition to the India-Pakistan discourse, Modi expressed his views regarding Bangladesh's choice to withdraw from the 2026 T20 World Cup over security apprehensions concerning travel to India. He criticized this decision as being unwarranted.

"I don't see an immediate solution right now, and you saw Bangladesh trying to get involved. They shouldn't have," he concluded.