India has repeatedly said no to resuming bilateral cricket ties with Pakistan, but the arch rivals could head to another cricket meeting – this time outside the ICC tournament.
From 2012 to 2013, India and Pakistan did not play any bilateral series due to ongoing geopolitical tensions between the two countries, and their cricket encounters were limited to ICC tournaments and Asian Cups. However, according to Pakistani media outlet ARY News, the International Cricket Council is exploring the possibility of staging a lucrative multinational series involving India and Pakistan. The event may take the form of a three-series tournament or a four-team tournament.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has been pushing the idea for years, including proposals to resume bilateral series at neutral venues. This proposal has repeatedly met resistance from the BCCI. However, a multi-nation option is now being discussed ahead of the ICC Future Tours Program (FTP) workshop in Dubai on September 22 and 23. Representatives from all 12 Test nations and eight associate members are expected to attend.
According to the report, among the issues discussed at the seminar may be the possibility of holding tournaments in three or four countries. The selling point behind this proposal is simple: involving more teams can generate greater profits, as well as provide broadcasters and organizers with a more attractive package of services.
Sources also told the Pakistani publication that if the proposal is approved, such an event could be held at neutral venues including the United Arab Emirates, England or Australia.
The idea of a multinational series starring India and Pakistan had already surfaced earlier this year. During the standoff between the ICC and the PCB following Bangladesh’s exclusion from the T20 World Cup, the Pakistan and Bangladesh boards reportedly proposed three series involving India. However, a media report at the time said that the ICC had not given any assurance given that such a series would fall under the jurisdiction of the respective cricket boards – in this case the BCCI – and not the jurisdiction of the governing body.
This remains the biggest obstacle.
India’s position in bilateral cricket with Pakistan has been consistent. Last year, the Sports Ministry had said that while bilateral series with Pakistan remained off the table, India would abide by the rules of international sports bodies for multilateral events, whether they are held in India or abroad. The statement comes in the context of the Asia Cup, which is managed by the Asian Cricket Council.
However, a three-series or four-team tournament outside an ICC or ACC competition would be a different proposition. Such a competition would usually require the consent of the participating cricket boards, meaning the BCCI would still have the final say. And given India’s existing policies regarding bilateral cricket with Pakistan, a multinational series organized outside the established framework of the ICC or ACC could face an uphill battle.