India and Pakistan haven't been playing bilateral series for a long time, with the last series happening in 2012. The two have been playing together at ICC tournaments, where Pakistan recently defeated India in the Champions Trophy final.
The BCCI has repeatedly clarified its stance that it won't be able to engage in bilateral contests unless the government gives clearance. It is understood that the richest cricket board wants a formal communication before they head to ICC Disputes Resolution Forum where they are set to counter PCB's compensation claim of USD 70 million for not honouring the MoU, signed in 2014.
"The BCCI would be grateful if you could formally convey the policy/position of the Government of India on the need or requirement of prior clearance from the Government of India for the Indian cricket team to play the Pakistan cricket in in-bound or out-bound tours," BCCI recently wrote to the ministry.
India will now play Pakistan in the 2019 World Cup, but the game won't be the first match of the tournament as has been the case in the past. This time the two will clash on June 16 in Manchester. The men in blue will open their 2019 World Cup campaign against South Africa on June 5
The 2019 World Cup will be held in the UK from May 30 to July 14 and India will start on June 5 as the BCCI will have to maintain a mandatory 15-day gap between the IPL final and international assignment as per the Lodha Committee recommendations.
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