CA wants to host tri-series involving India, Pakistan, and Australia
Cricket Australia (CA) chief Nick Hockley has backed Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) boss Ramiz Raja's idea of conducting a four-nation T20 Super Series. Ahead of the second Test against Pakistan, Hockley indicated that Australia are keen to host a tri-series involving India and Pakistan. Notably, India and Pakistan have not faced each other in a bilateral series since 2012/13. Here are further details.
Why does this story matter?
In January this year, PCB boss Ramiz Raja had proposed a four-nation T20 Super Series among India, Pakistan, England, and Australia. He clarified the series could generate revenues that can be shared not only among the four but all boards affiliated to the International Cricket Council (ICC). Now, CA is open to hosting a tri-series involving India and Pakistan.
I really like the tri-series concept: Hockley
"Personally, I really like the tri-series concept. It's worked well in the past. We'd be very open to hosting ... matches. There are really big communities of both India and Pakistan living in Australia. It's a contest that everyone wants to see in world cricket and if we can help support further opportunities we would love to do that," Hockley said.
India, Pakistan last played a bilateral series in 2012/13
India and Pakistan don't play bilateral series due to political tensions between the two nations. They last played a series in 2012/13 (in India), comprising two T20Is and three ODIs. India lost the ODI series 1-2, while the T20I series ended in a draw (1-1). The two teams have not faced each other in a Test series since 2007/08 (India defeated Pakistan at home).
India and Pakistan have met only in ICC tournaments lately
India and Pakistan have met only in ICC tournaments since 2012/13. India defeated Pakistan in the group stage match at the 2019 World Cup. Pakistan avenged the loss at the 2021 T20 World Cup. They thrashed India by 10 wickets.
Here is what BCCI secretary Jay Shah had said
"With the IPL window expanding and the ICC events every year in the cycle, our primary responsibility is to safeguard bilateral cricket at home, with emphasis on Tests," BCCI secretary Jay Shah had told Reuters. "I am also looking forward to seeing cricket at the Olympics, as that will help the game grow. Expansion of the sport is a challenge that our game faces."
