IND vs PAK: Indian captain Rohit Sharma’s remarks on regular India vs Pakistan bilateral test series has caught everyone’s eye and the idea is, now, being discussed comprehensively. In a recent development, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief, Moshin Naqvi, expressed his willingness for the IND vs PAK Test series, however, on the condition that Team India visit Pakistan for the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025.
Naqvi, who has recently been appointed as the chairman of the PCB, addressing the media in Lahore said that the PCB is looking out for options to play against India, however, only if Team India agrees to come to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy 2025, which as of now, seems to be a distant dream.
Notably, the BCCI has already conveyed its stance on the Champions Trophy 2025, which is scheduled to be held in Pakistan. BCCI secretary, Jay Shah, has often iterated that India’s participation in the Champions Trophy 2025 is only possible if the tournament is either held in a neutral venue or co-hosted by some other country.
However, the PCB is pushing hard to bring India on the same page and convince them to visit Pakistan for the upcoming ICC event.
“Look, if any options in this regard [IND vs PAK Test series] come we will consider it, but our target right now is to host the Champions Trophy and first let India come for the tournament,” Naqvi said during a function in Lahore.
“Right now till the Champions Trophy 2025, there is no slot available as our team has a packed itinerary. Once they [India] come here first then we can look at any proposal whenever it comes before us,” he further added.
While PCB looks enthusiastic to host India for the upcoming ICC tournament, which is slated to be held on their soil, India’s stance has remained firm and unwavering.
“Every member can raise concerns for discussion at Board meetings and then it would go to a vote. But if the government (of a member nation) expressly say that they can’t play there, ICC would need to look for an alternative,” a veteran administrator said.
Talking about Rohit Sharma’s remarks on the IND vs PAK test series, the Indian skipper conceded that Pakistan are a quality side and it would be fun to play against them.
“They’re a good team. They have got a superb bowling line-up. So it’ll be a good contest especially if you play overseas conditions. That’ll be awesome.”
India last played Pakistan in a test series in 2007, when the green shirts visited India for a three-game series. Pakistan got a beating by a scoreline of 1-0 by the then-Anil Kumble-led India outfit.
Team India and Pakistan have ceased to cross swords since 2012-13 in bilateral engagements, owing to Pakistan’s engagement in promoting cross-border terrorism. The two sides only play each other in the major ICC events.
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