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Karachi: The Indian board is turning out to be a tough body for everyone to deal with. The PCB had a hard time finalising the itinerary for the ongoing series. Many feel the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) are flexing their muscle because a majority of the sponsors are from India. A general impression in the BCCI is that they are the ones generating revenue for the game. One of the reasons for the first two Tests ending in a draw is being attributed to India's insistence of starting the Test series from the Punjab region. The PCB had repeatedly said the weather would not be suitable for cricket.
According to a PCB official, India changed the itinerary seven times. Talks to finalise the schedule for this tour had started off with former BCCI president Ranbir Singh Mahendra and when the new body headed by Sharad Pawar took over they changed it again and again. The BCCI is supposed to have told the PCB that India would play in Karachi only after they have settled well in Pakistan. Following the hassles, the PCB has decided that henceforth, itineraries for future tours would be planned well in advance and no changes would be entertained. Additionally, India has also decided not to participate in the ICC's Champions Trophy after 2006. The ICC is likely to face an uphill task organising the 2006 edition in India. With the New Delhi and Mumbai venues having existing corporate agreements they are unable to agree on the ICC's requirement of signage-free grounds.
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