In a recent development, our sources from BCCI have indicated that a Test series between India and Pakistan is far from taking place. The Apex body of Indian cricket is reportedly not interested to host Pakistan for a red ball series. It has been 16 years that the two countries met each other for a series in the longest format of cricket.
A test series between India and Pakistan last took place in 2007 while a bilateral series between the two was held in 2013. Since then, diplomatic relations between the Government of both the countries have worsened and it has impacted the sporting relations between the two as well.
Thanks to ICC events that we get to witness India Vs. Pakistan, otherwise the BCCI at least are not planning to schedule a series of any sort. While Cricketing boards around the world have made enqueries about a possibility to host a Test series at a neutral venue, nothing seems to be in a concrete stage.
Lords was supposedly a destination and Cricket Australia also joined the conversation after Melbourne was suggested as a neutral venue for the arch rivals to face off. And why not? An Indo-Pak cricket match is nothing less than a World cup final. In fact their fixtures can help Boards make large sums of money, in terms of sponsorship, broadcasting, viewership and ticket sale.
During the 2022 ICC T20 World cup at Australia, 90,293 came to MCG to watch them collide in a last ball thriller. But the possibility of BCCI allowing Pakistan to come and play in India seems to be off topic as of now.
MCC CEO Stuart Fox has revealed fresh details on a potential India vs Pakistan Test match at the MCG. 👀 #Cricket pic.twitter.com/pn4E5hp1pQ
— SEN Cricket (@SEN_Cricket) December 28, 2022
Moreover, BCCI officials have reportedly shrugged off all the possibilities for a match between India and Pak. “No such plans for India and Pakistan Test series in future or in any country. If someone has such kind of wish keep it to yourself” – said a BCCI source.
MCC as well as Victoria Govt. (Australia) are interested to host a match up between the two but as you already know, BCCI wont let such things take place.
Possible India vs Pakistan 'WTC final' at MCG? 🏏
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📸: gettyimages#IndVsPak #WTC2023 #Final #MCG pic.twitter.com/VsEkGwiXRT— Edicric (@officialedicric) December 29, 2022
Absolutely. Three [Tests] in a row would be lovely at the MCG. You’d fill it every time. We have asked. We’ve taken that up with Cricket Australia. I know the [Victoria] government has as well. Again, it’s enormously complicated from what I can understand, amongst a really busy schedule. So I think that’s probably the greater challenge. Wouldn’t it be great that it wasn’t just Australia-centric and Victoria-centric, that we’re catering for all the countries and filling the stadium all the time. So we have asked. Hopefully, Cricket Australia keep taking it up with the ICC and keep pushing for it. When you do see some of the stadiums around the world unoccupied, I think it would be much better to have a full house and that atmosphere and celebrate the game with full houses – said Fox officials.
So, will an India Vs. Pakistan series become a reality?
