Cricket Australia proposes hosting tri-series with Pakistan, India

KARACHI (Monitoring Desk): Cricket Australia (CA) Chief Executive Nick Hockley on Wednesday expressed the desire to host a tri-series involving arch-rivals Pakistan and India.

During a Zoom meeting with Pakistan and Indian media, Hockley acknowledged the hype around the clash between the neighbouring countries. He proposed hosting a triangular as well as a bilateral to help revive the series between the two nations.

“Pakistan and India are traditional rival teams; there is a lot of excitement for their matches,” said Hockley. “We are ready to support both teams for a bilateral and a tri-series.”

“We would be happy to play a role in the revival of the Pakistan vs India bilateral series,” he added.

It is worth noting that Pakistan and India haven’t played a bilateral series since the 2013 ODI series due to the long-standing political tensions between the two neighbouring countries.

Since then both teams have played each other only in ICC events and Asia Cups. They recently squared off in the high-octane T20 World Cup 2024 clash in New York, where India clinched a narrow victory.

“Nassau County Stadium [in New York] was a house full during the T20 World Cup [2024]. We witnessed a similar excitement at the T20 World Cup 2022 in Australia,” stated Hockley.

However, the Cricket Australia chief was of the view that such plans could only become a reality if the respective cricket boards and governments of both countries co-ordinate on the matter.