India-Pakistan rivalry in cricket is not just exciting to the fans in these countries. But, the other cricketing nations are also excited about the two countries playing each other. However, the strained political relations has limited the amount of cricket the countries play against each other. They only appear competing in ICC and Asia Cup events. Earlier, bilateral series was also played between the neighboring nations. But, these have never been regular because of political and diplomatic tensions. Since 2012 the cricketing boards of both Pakistan and India have never agreed on a schedule. The last time the countries played was in the 2021 ICC Men’s T20 WC. This was the first of thirteen times in the Cricket World Cup and ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, that Pakistan managed to defeat India. Recently, the Cricket Australia chief has shown the readiness to host a tri-series involving Ind, Pak, and Aus.
Cricket Australia ready to host a tri-series
Australia is playing a three-match Test series against Pakistan, the hosts. The first Test was drawn between the two teams. In a post-match conference, Cricket Australia Chief had talked to some reporters in Rawalpindi. While talking to the reporters, the Chief Executive, Nick Hockley said India-Pak matches are very popular. The matches between the countries is something that the world want to see more often. Earlier, Ramiz Raza, Chairman of Pakistan Cricket Board has proposed a four-nation T20 series. Moreover, he suggested Pakistan, India, Australia, and England play the series annually. Hockley also mentioned that there has been no discussion with the Indian and Pakistani Cricket boards. But his country would be keen to host the tri-lateral. The series including India, Pakistan, and Australia.
The ICC Men’s T20 WC will be played in October this year. Australia will be hosting the tournament. In addition, Nick Hockley had told that the tickets for India vs Pakistan are already sold out. The countries will be facing each other on 23rd October at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. This will be India’s first match of the tournament.
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“Personally, I really like the tri-series concept. It’s worked well in the past. We’d be very open to hosting … matches. There are really big communities of both India and Pakistan living in Australia. It’s a contest that everyone wants to see in world cricket and if we can help support further opportunities we would love to do that.”
Nick Hockley, Cricket Australia Chief
