NEW DELHI: Reports suggest that Cricket Australia (CA) has voiced its interest in hosting a bilateral series between arch-rivals India and Pakistan, provided the Boards of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) mutually agree to such matches in the future.
India and Pakistan have not engaged in a bilateral series since 2012-13, limiting their encounters to global ICC events such as World Cups and the Champions Trophy.
In an intriguing development, both Asian cricketing powerhouses are slated to be in Australia simultaneously this November. CA unveiled its international schedule, featuring Pakistan's three One Day Internationals (ODIs) and three Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) just before India's arrival for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series commencing on November 22.
CA's cricket operations manager, Peter Roach, emphasized the organization's keenness to host an India-Pakistan match, affirming their commitment to engaging fans through compelling cricketing contests.
Roach stated, "We’re always interested in opportunities for matches and content that will engage our fans, and it’s fair to say that every country in the world would love to see India and Pakistan compete in their country."
He further indicated CA's willingness to facilitate discussions with both cricketing bodies to explore potential opportunities.
While acknowledging the overwhelming demand for tickets witnessed during previous India-Pakistan clashes, notably at the MCG during the T20 World Cup in 2022, CA's chief executive, Nick Hockley, echoed Roach's sentiments. Hockley expressed CA's enthusiasm to host the marquee fixture if the opportunity arises.
Reflecting on the electrifying atmosphere generated during the India-Pakistan encounter at the MCG, Hockley underscored the significance of such matches in global cricketing folklore. "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," added Hockley.
(Inputs from IANS)