Cricket fans worldwide can rejoice as Cricket Australia (CA) reignited hopes for a much-anticipated bilateral series between arch-rivals India and Pakistan. In a recent statement, CA expressed its strong interest in hosting such a series, igniting excitement amongst cricket enthusiasts.
India vs Pakistan Bilateral Series in Australia hinges on securing agreements from both the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). The absence of bilateral contests between these two cricketing giants since 2012-13 has only intensified the desire to witness them clash again.
The electrifying encounter between India and Pakistan during the 2022 T20 World Cup at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) served as a fresh reminder of the captivating nature of their matches. That unforgettable clash drew a record-breaking crowd of 90,293, etching itself in cricketing history. Cricket Australia Keen on Indo-Pak Series, citing the phenomenal success of the T20 World Cup encounter, expressed a strong desire to replicate such events if given the opportunity.
“We’re thrilled to host Pakistan and India. If we can contribute to making this happen, that’s fantastic. However, organizing bilateral series is primarily a matter for the respective boards,” remarked Cricket Australia’s CEO, Nick Hockley.
The potential for India vs Pakistan Cricket Match in Melbourne has garnered significant interest from stakeholders. The Melbourne Cricket Club and the Victorian government have echoed their enthusiasm for hosting such a series at iconic venues like the MCG. While logistical challenges exist, CA remains optimistic about its ability to bridge the gap and foster cricketing ties between the two nations.
Ongoing Discussions
Will India Tour Pakistan for a Bilateral Series? The current Future Tours Programme (FTP) might not allow for a tri-series involving India and Pakistan. However, Peter Roach, CA’s Head of Scheduling, emphasized their commitment to exploring alternative avenues.
“We’re always looking for matches and contests that will engage our fans,” Roach explained. “Every country would love to see India and Pakistan compete. We’ve expressed our interest, but there are no immediate changes to the schedule.”
PCB BCCI Bilateral Series Discussions may be ongoing, but Cricket Australia’s proactive stance underscores the global yearning for India and Pakistan to lock horns on the cricket field once more. Efforts to facilitate this dream encounter are underway, and cricket fans eagerly await a positive outcome.
