ECB offers to become ‘neutral host’ for future Pakistan-India Test series

Published September 27, 2022
The photo shows fans of India and Pakistan cricket teams posing for a picture together. — AFP.File
The photo shows fans of India and Pakistan cricket teams posing for a picture together. — AFP.File

The England Cricket Board (ECB) on Tuesday offered to become “neutral hosts” for a future Pakistan-India Test series, according to a report published by The Telegraph.

The announcement has opened the opportunity for the two countries to play bilateral cricket for the first time in 15 years.

Pakistan and India have not played men’s cricket against one another — apart from multi-team events — in any format since January 2013 as their last Test match was played in December 2007.

“Martin Darlow, the deputy chairman of the England & Wales Cricket Board, has held talks with the Pakistan Cricket Board during the current Twenty20 series and offered England’s grounds as venues for ideally a three-match Test series in the future,” The Telegraph report said today.

It stated that the matches would attract big crowds in the United Kingdom —which has a large ex-pat south Asian population — along with huge sponsorship revenue and television audiences.

Furthermore, the report pointed out that it would be more politically acceptable for India to play Pakistan on neutral turf.

“It is understood the PCB are not keen on playing India at the moment at a neutral venue but are grateful for the ECB’s offer, which shows the growing relationship between the two boards,” it added.

Later, a PCB spokesperson confirmed the development saying that the board was contacted in this regard.

Earlier this month, at a press briefing, Foreign Office Spokesman Asim Iftikhar Ahmed said that it was India that had walked away from playing bilateral cricket with Pakistan.

“We have always advocated that sports should not be mixed with other matters,” Ahmad said, adding that if India wanted to play against Pakistan, it was always welcome to do so.

Opinion

Editorial

Military option
Updated 21 Nov, 2024

Military option

While restoring peace is essential, addressing Balochistan’s socioeconomic deprivation is equally important.
HIV/AIDS disaster
21 Nov, 2024

HIV/AIDS disaster

A TORTUROUS sense of déjà vu is attached to the latest health fiasco at Multan’s Nishtar Hospital. The largest...
Dubious pardon
21 Nov, 2024

Dubious pardon

IT is disturbing how a crime as grave as custodial death has culminated in an out-of-court ‘settlement’. The...
Islamabad protest
Updated 20 Nov, 2024

Islamabad protest

As Nov 24 draws nearer, both the PTI and the Islamabad administration must remain wary and keep within the limits of reason and the law.
PIA uncertainty
20 Nov, 2024

PIA uncertainty

THE failed attempt to privatise the national flag carrier late last month has led to a fierce debate around the...
T20 disappointment
20 Nov, 2024

T20 disappointment

AFTER experiencing the historic high of the One-day International series triumph against Australia, Pakistan came...