Cricket Australia (CA) has openly expressed its desire to host a bilateral series between arch-rivals India and Pakistan in the future. Cricket Australia is willing to facilitate the rivalry between the two teams, provided the BCCI and PCB reach a mutual agreement.
The much-awaited bilateral cricket series between the two teams remains elusive due to strained political ties between the two nations. Fans have been deprived of this rivalry since the last meeting in 2012-13, when Pakistan toured India for a limited overs series.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has consistently urged the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to restore ties with cricket. However, the BCCI has maintained that any decision regarding a bilateral series with Pakistan rests with the government.
We are very excited to welcome India – Nick Hockley
Cricket Australia chief executive Nick Hockley expressed his excitement about hosting matches between India and Pakistan if given the opportunity. However, Hockley noted that the decision ultimately depends on the willingness of both countries to participate.
“I think anyone who was here for the India-Pakistan match at the MCG will go down as one of the most memorable occasions, not just sporting, that I have been to. So people want to see that contest. We would love to host it if the opportunity arises. If we can play a role, we would love to play a role,” Hockley said.
“We are very excited to host Pakistan. We are very excited to welcome India. If we can help, that’s great. But I think in many ways this is a two-sided series. It really is up to others to make this happen,” she added.
The India-Pakistan match at the MCG was witnessed by 90,293 spectators. Following the success of the T20 World Cup 2022 match between the two nations, CA, Melbourne Cricket Club and the Victorian Government expressed keen interest in hosting bilateral matches between India and Pakistan at the iconic MCG.
The Indian and Pakistan men’s teams will be in Australia at the same time in November this year, as Cricket Australia announced the schedule for their upcoming home summer. Australia will host three ODIs and T20Is against Pakistan, followed by the much-anticipated five-match Test series against India.
I don’t have a tri-series on FTP – Peter Roach
CA head of programming Peter Roach emphasized the organization’s willingness to explore new avenues for cricket commitments, despite the absence of a triple series involving India and Pakistan in the current Future Tours Program (FTP). ).
Roach expressed interest in games that would captivate fans while acknowledging scheduling limitations. Roach affirmed CA’s ongoing dialogue with stakeholders, although immediate changes to the schedule appear unlikely.
“We don’t have a tri-series on the FTP. Looking ahead, we are always interested in match and contest opportunities that appeal to our fans. It is fair to say that every country in the world would love to see India and Pakistan compete in their country,” Roach said.
“We are aware that we are one of those countries that has asked the question. There is no room in the schedule to do so at the moment. We will continue talking to them on other opportunities that arise, but in this specific example there will not be any change in the schedule,” she concluded.
The scheduled Test series between Australia and the Men in Blue consists of five matches, including a day-night match. The series will begin in Perth, with Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney hosting subsequent matches.
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