India won’t play a bilateral series against Pakistan, according to the BCCI
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), despite Pakistan’s hopes that it may play bilateral cricket matches with its neighbor, has rejected any such series in the near future, claiming they are not “ready to play with Pakistan.”
Najam Sethi, the head of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), agreed with the idea of staging a Test match series against its neighbor at a location convenient for both nations in an interview with The Sydney Morning Herald on Wednesday.
According to the PCB chairman, “yes, I think bilateral Test matches can be played in Australia, England, and South Africa.”
But he added, I believe Australia and England would be the next best bets.
In any of the Australian stadiums, “if you can get a house full, fine, that would be great,” Sethi continued.
In response to Sethi’s interview, the Indian media stated that the BCCI has no plans to play any bilateral series against Pakistan.
Speaking with the media during a press conference at the Gaddafi Stadium was PCB Chairman Najam Sethi. the APP/File
Speaking with the media during a press conference at the Gaddafi Stadium was PCB Chairman Najam Sethi. the APP/File
There are no plans for this type of series to air in the near future or now. According to a BCCI source quoted by Indian media, “We are not prepared for any form of bilateral series with Pakistan.
Since 2012–2013, Pakistan and India haven’t played a bilateral series in any format. India hosted Pakistan’s most recent ODI and T20I series. In 2007, the two bitter rivals faced off in a Test match.
The Sri Lankan squad was the target of a terrorist attack in Lahore in 2009, and Pakistan was unable to hold international cricket matches after that. Until Zimbabwe’s 2015 tour of Pakistan, there has not been any cricket played in Pakistan for nearly six years.
During this time, Pakistan used to play all of its games in the UAE.
The two nations are still at odds over hosting the Asia Cup in 2023.
The BCCI is determined to ensure that the event is staged at a neutral venue and has refused to send their side to Pakistan for the Asia Cup, which is scheduled to take place in September of this year.
However, the PCB has no interest in organizing the event outside of Pakistan because doing so would undermine its attempts to bring back international cricket to the nation.