The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has made it clear that there are no intentions to engage in bilateral cricket series with Pakistan in the foreseeable future, dismissing the possibility even at neutral venues. Despite the proposition of playing Test matches against Pakistan in countries like Australia, England, or South Africa, the BCCI remains steadfast in its stance.
In an interview with The Sydney Morning Herald, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Najam Sethi expressed his agreement to play Test matches against India at acceptable venues for both nations, suggesting Australia and England as potential hosts. Sethi acknowledged the significance of filling stadiums and indicated that playing in Australia would be favorable.
However, Indian media reports indicate that the BCCI has firmly stated its lack of plans for any bilateral series with Pakistan, emphasizing that no such series will take place in the future or upcoming days. The BCCI remains uninterested in engaging in cricketing activities with their neighboring country.
The two cricketing rivals, Pakistan and India, have not played a bilateral series in any format since 2012-13. The last series between the two nations took place in 2007 when Pakistan toured India for ODI and T20I matches. Following a terrorist attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team in Lahore in 2009, international cricket in Pakistan came to a halt. For almost six years, Pakistan was unable to host any matches until Zimbabwe’s tour in 2015. During this period, Pakistan played their home matches in the United Arab Emirates.
The deadlock between the two countries also extends to the Asia Cup 2023. The BCCI has declined to send their team to Pakistan for the tournament scheduled for September this year. They are insistent on holding the event at a neutral venue. On the other hand, the PCB is unwilling to move the event outside Pakistan, as it could negatively impact their efforts to bring international cricket back to the country.
The absence of bilateral cricketing ties between Pakistan and India has persisted for several years, and the recent statements from the BCCI indicate that there is no immediate change on the horizon. The fans of both nations, who eagerly await the resumption of cricketing rivalries, will have to continue to wait for a breakthrough in this impasse.