[Tintin]

KARACHI: When just a few days after taking over as PCB’s Director General, Javed Miandad accused the Indian cricket board of using bullying tactics and declared that Pakistan is facing immense public pressure to pardon their Indian Cricket League (ICL) rebels, it seemed as if he had given the Board yet another headache with a careless outburst.

After all, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) wants to remain in the good books of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) at a time when the Indians are showing reluctance about touring Pakistan because of security apprehensions for what is an all-important series for Pakistan.

But take a closer look at Miandad’s comments and it will become apparent that the shrewd schemer has played a well-timed shot by reminding BCCI about its ICL problem.

By announcing that the PCB is under pressure to lift the ban over 18 of its cricketers who defected to the ‘rebel’ ICL, Miandad’s hidden message to the BCCI is that it is time India repaid Pakistan over their unmatched support on the ICL issue and make it sure that MS Dhoni and company visit Pakistan for what is a much-awaited series.

The ICL card is the only pressure tool that Pakistan can use to save its ‘iconic’ home series against India from getting cancelled, postponed or moved to some offshore venues.

http://www.thenews.com.pk/daily_detail.asp?id=148997