The possibility of another Pakistan-India contest has gained momentum as the International Cricket Council (ICC) is reportedly considering a tri- or four-nation series which will include arch-rivals Pakistan and India.
Tri-nation series including Pakistan and India
According to the reports, it is being considered to explore more commercially attractive multi-nation competitions. This said proposal is expected to be discussed at the ICC’s Future Tours Programme (FTP) seminar, which is set to be held on September 22 and 23 in Dubai.
Representatives from all 12 Test-playing nations and eight Associate members are expected to attend the meeting, where the governing body could discuss whether multi-nation ODI or T20I competitions can generate stronger commercial returns than traditional and boring bilateral series.
PCB advocates Tri-Nation Series
This idea is not new for the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), which has persistently made efforts for a bilateral series with India and has also advocated for a tri-nation series involving India for several years.
With bilateral cricket between the two neighbours suspended amid longstanding political tensions, such a series could be an alternative way to keep one of cricket’s biggest rivalries alive.
Under the reported format, Pakistan and India could be joined by one or two additional teams, creating an eminent series with significant broadcasting, sponsorship, that could also attract a global audience.
Pakistan and India have not played a single bilateral series since 2013. Their meetings have since been limited to events like those organised by the ICC and the Asian Cricket Council. Despite the lack of regular bilateral cricket, matches between the two sides continue to attract huge global audiences and remain among the sport’s most commercially valuable fixtures.
Government approval still required
However, any cricketing engagement between the two countries remains subject to government approval on both sides.
If everything goes smoothly, neutral venues such as the United Arab Emirates, England or Australia could be considered to host the competition.
A new opportunity for all
For the ICC, this prospect is commercially appealing; for Pakistan and India, it could provide a new chance to renew their rivalry without waiting for an international tournament. And for fans worldwide, it could mean seeing one of cricket’s biggest match-ups more often, without the need to restart bilateral cricket between the two countries.
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