Reviving Cricket Rivalries: Australia’s Bid for India-Pakistan Bilateral Series
Cricket Australia has reiterated its eagerness to facilitate a bilateral cricket series between arch-rivals India and Pakistan, should the respective cricket boards, BCCI and PCB, come to a mutual agreement.
In a strategic move, Cricket Australia has strategically planned the schedules for Australia’s upcoming home summer, aligning the visits of India and Pakistan. While Pakistan is scheduled to engage in a series comprising three ODIs and T20Is, India is set to commence a five-Test series shortly after on November 22. Despite the proximity of the teams, the current itinerary does not include matches between the two, yet the potential for such encounters remains an enticing prospect.
Historical Clashes
The last bilateral series between India and Pakistan dates back to the 2012-13 season, leaving cricket enthusiasts longing for the revival of this historic rivalry. Presently, the only rendezvous between these cricketing powerhouses occurs during global ICC events, further amplifying the anticipation surrounding a bilateral series.
The resonating success of the 2022 T20 World Cup encounter between India and Pakistan at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) serves as a poignant reminder of the fervent interest surrounding this clash. Nick Hockley, the Chief Executive of Cricket Australia, reminisced about the electrifying atmosphere of that match, expressing a fervent desire to replicate such moments through hosting bilateral matches at the MCG:
“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 remarked.
This sentiment was echoed by Cricket Australia’s head of scheduling, Peter Roach, who acknowledged the possibility of exploring avenues beyond a bilateral series, hinting at the prospect of a tri-series involving India and Pakistan, a concept last realized during the 1999-2000 season.
“We haven’t got a tri-series in the FTP,” Roach acknowledged. “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.”
Cricket Australia’s Aims
Despite the logistical challenges posed by the current Future Tours Programme (FTP), Cricket Australia remains resolute in its pursuit of fostering cricketing spectacles that resonate with fans worldwide. While acknowledging the constraints within the existing schedule, CA remains open to dialogue, seeking alternative avenues to facilitate encounters between these cricketing giants.
In summary, Cricket Australia’s unwavering commitment to hosting bilateral cricket series between India and Pakistan underscores its dedication to nurturing cricketing rivalries that transcend boundaries. As discussions evolve and opportunities arise, the cricketing fraternity eagerly awaits the revival of this storied contest on the international stage.
