MS Dhoni on IND v/s PAK cricket: It is more than just sports, Govt should decide on series

Mahendra Singh Dhoni has said that the Indian government will have the final say on playing a bilateral cricket series against Pakistan. The former Indian captain said the government was the best judge.

"An India vs Pakistan series is not just sports, it's much more than that so the government is the best judge and up to them to take a call if we should play," Dhoni said.

An India vs Pakistan series is not just sports, its much more than that so the Government is the best judge and upto them to take a call if we should play: MS Dhoni pic.twitter.com/SNTE4ivzgD

— ANI (@ANI) November 26, 2017

MS Dhoni, on Sunday, attended a cricket match organised by army in Baramulla's Kunzar in Jammu and Kashmir. He also interacted with players and local people. Dhoni holds the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Indian Territorial Army. 

Jammu & Kashmir: MS Dhoni attended a cricket match organised by army in Baramulla's Kunzar. He also interacted with players and local people. pic.twitter.com/BbbE18yPeE

— ANI (@ANI) November 26, 2017

Dhoni, who is away from cricket as the Indian team is playing a Test series against Sri Lanka, on Saturday interacted with budding cricketers in the Uri town of north Kashmir’s Baramulla district. 

India have not played any bilateral series with Pakistan since a series featuring two T20Is and three ODIs in India in 2012-13. 

As per the ICC Future Tours Program, each of its member countries are bound to play against each other at least once and if India do not play with Pakistan, they would lose points.

As per the format, each team would play at least three home and away Test series respectively and members are free to negotiate more series (between 2019 to 2021) depending on availability. 

BCCI and PCB had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to play six bilateral series between 2015 and 2023. Pakistan Cricket Board has sent a notice of dispute to the BCCI claiming losses due to the its refusal to tour Pakistan in 2015.

India has refused to play any bilateral cricket with Pakistan due to strained relations. However, the two teams have faced off in ICC tournaments, most recently in the Champions Trophy this year.