Image Credit- Getty
In the event that
the BCCI and PCB decide to play one another in the future, Cricket Australia
has once again said that it would be willing to host a bilateral series between
India and Pakistan.
Although there was never a realistic chance of matches between the two nations
as part of the visits, Pakistan will play three ODIs and T20Is before India
begin a five-Test series just four days later on November 22. As a result,
India and Pakistan’s men’s teams will be in Australia at the same time in
November this year. This is according to the schedule that CA announced for
Australia’s next home summer.
India and Pakistan
now only play each other at international ICC events; they haven’t played a
bilateral series since 2012–13.
Following the triumphant 2022 T20 World Cup match between India and Pakistan at
the MCG, which drew 90,293 spectators for a thrilling final-ball contest, the
Victorian government, the Melbourne Cricket Club (which runs the MCG), and
California showed interest in holding bilateral matches between the two
countries at the MCG.
This wish was reaffirmed by CA CEO Nick Hockley on Wednesday at the MCG when he
revealed Australia’s home schedule.
“I think anyone
that was here for the India-Pakistan game at the MCG, it will go down as one of
the most memorable occasions, not just sporting occasions, that I’ve ever been
to,” he said. “So people want to see that contest. We would love to
host that if the opportunity arose. If we can play a role, we’d love to play a
role.
“We’re so excited to host Pakistan. We’re so excited to host India. If we
can help, that’s great. But I think in many ways, that’s a bilateral series.
It’s really for others to make that happen.”
Although he pointed
out there was no room in the current FTP, CA’s head of scheduling Peter Roach
acknowledged on Tuesday that, if possible, there would also be some interest in
hosting a tri-series rather than just a neutral bilateral series, which last
occurred involving India and Pakistan during the 1999–2000 season.
“We haven’t got a tri-series in the FTP,” Roach said. “Going
forward we’re always interested in opportunities for matches and contests that
will engage our fans. It’s fair to say every country in the world would love to
see India and Pakistan compete in their country.