Australia Expresses Willingness to Host India-Pakistan Cricket Bilateral Series

New Delhi: Cricket fans around the globe are eagerly anticipating the upcoming T20 World Cup clash between India and Pakistan, slated for June 9 in New York. The absence of bilateral cricket between these two cricketing giants since 2012-13 has only heightened the excitement surrounding their sporadic encounters, mainly limited to multi-nation ICC tournaments.

The last memorable face-off between India and Pakistan was witnessed during the ODI World Cup last year in Ahmedabad, where fans were treated to a nail-biting last-ball thriller. Such matches consistently draw immense attention, with revenue soaring and tickets selling out well in advance, making them a jackpot for hosts.

Australia, having experienced the fervour firsthand during the 2020 T20 World Cup clash at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), expressed its keenness to host a bilateral series between India and Pakistan. Cricket Australia’s CEO Nick Hockley reaffirmed this desire, emphasizing the unforgettable experience of the India-Pakistan game at the MCG.

While announcing the upcoming summer’s international calendar, Cricket Australia reiterated its readiness to facilitate such a series, citing the excitement it brings to fans. However, the current Future Tours Programme (FTP) poses scheduling constraints, limiting the possibility of a tri-series involving India, Pakistan, and the hosts.

Despite the logistical challenges, Cricket Australia remains open to exploring opportunities for engaging contests and expressed its willingness to facilitate a bilateral series if circumstances permit. While no changes to the current schedule are anticipated, discussions with the respective cricket boards will continue in pursuit of bringing this iconic rivalry to Australian shores.