Cricket Australia’s Desire to Host India-Pakistan Bilateral Series: The Iconic Rivalry on Australian Grounds
Cricket Australia (CA) reiterates its interest in hosting an India-Pakistan bilateral series, offering Australian venues if the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) express willingness to resume bilateral relations.
In the event that the BCCI and PCB express a wish to resume bilateral relations, CA would provide Australian venues.
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 stated. That competition is what people want to see. If we ever got the chance, we would be thrilled to host it. We would love to play a part, if we are able to.
“We can’t wait to welcome Pakistan. We can’t wait to welcome India. It would be fantastic if we could help. However, I believe that to be a bilateral series in many ways. That really is up to others to make happen.”
Also Read: 2003 Cricket World Cup Final: Australia vs India
Also Read: The Iconic 1983 Cricket World Cup Final
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.
According to Roach, “We don’t have a tri-series in the FTP.” “In the future, we’re always looking for methods to host games and competitions that will excite our supporters. It is safe to claim that all nations would welcome India and Pakistan to compete there.
We have officially said that we are among the nations who have posed the inquiry. Right now, there’s not enough time in the schedules to accomplish that. There won’t be any schedule adjustments in this particular instance, but we’ll still speak with them when other chances present themselves.”
