Whenever India and Pakistan face other in a cricket match, it will attract the attention of fans around the world. The recent T20 World Cup 2022 match between both sides was an example, where more than 90,000 fans attended the match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne.
Advertisement
Both teams face each other in ICC tournaments of multi-nation events only, and the broadcasters or the management keep in mind that there should be at least one game between both sides as both teams are always placed in the same group. There are political conflicts between both sides and that’s why bilateral series are not possible.
The next year’s Asia Cup is set to take place in Pakistan, and BCCI have made it clear that they will not travel to Pakistan for the same. After the 2008 attacks in Mumbai, the relationship between both countries got affected. Pakistani players are not allowed to play in the IPL as well.
India vs Pakistan Test series
The last bilateral series between both sides was played in 2012-12 where both sides faced each other in a 2-match T20I and 3-match ODI series in India. Pakistan won the ODI series, whereas the T20I series ended on level terms. However, the last test series between both sides was played way back in 2007.
It was a 3-match test series in India, where India won the series 1-0. Team India won the first test in Delhi, whereas the 2nd and 3rd test in Kolkata and Bengaluru, respectively, ended in a draw. It has been 15 years since both the cricketing giants have played a test match between them.
In an interesting state of events, Melbourne Cricket Club (MCC), who manage the MCC have enquired to Cricket Australia regarding hosting a test series between India and Pakistan. During the 4th day of the Boxing Day test between Australia and South Africa, Stuart Fox, MCC chief executive talked about the same.
“Absolutely. Three [Tests] in a row would be lovely at the MCG. You’d fill it every time. We have asked,” Stuart Fox said.
There are no talks about this kind of series between India and Pakistan as it is just an inquiry. Although, if the same happens, this can certainly break the broadcasting numbers.
