The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), Richard Gould, has expressed enthusiasm about the possibility of hosting a Test series between Pakistan and India.
The arch-rivals last played a bilateral series in 2013, with Pakistan winning 2-1 in a three-match ODI series in India. The last Test series between the two nations took place in 2007.
During the third match of the Test series between England and the West Indies, Gould discussed various topics, including the potential for a red-ball series between Pakistan and India. “Everybody would love that. I wouldn’t say it’s [hosting an India vs. Pakistan Test] impossible. The politics between the BCCI and the Pakistan Cricket Board are long known, as are the politics between governments. And I find that fascinating,” Gould said.
Gould highlighted the positive interactions between Pakistani and Indian cricket fans, noting that political tensions often overshadow their camaraderie. He also confirmed the ECB’s commitment to participating in the Champions Trophy 2025, set to be hosted in Pakistan from February to March, despite uncertainties regarding India’s participation.
“There’s a great deal of determination to make sure it [Champions Trophy] is hosted in Pakistan next year,” said Gould. “Particularly from the PCB and the ECB.”
Indian captain Rohit Sharma has also shown enthusiasm for playing a Test series against Pakistan, praising their “superb” bowling lineup. Former England skipper Michael Vaughan, speaking on the podcast Club Prairie Fire, asked Rohit about the prospect of a regular Test series between India and Pakistan.
“I totally believe that! They are a good team,” Rohit replied. “They have got a superb bowling lineup. I think it would be a good contest, especially if you play in overseas conditions. That would be awesome.”
Vaughan then asked Rohit if he would like to see a regular series with Pakistan. “I would love to. At the end of the day, we want to be in contest,” Rohit responded. “I think it will be a great contest between the two sides. We anyway play them in the ICC tournaments. So, it doesn’t even matter. I am only interested in pure cricket. I am not looking at anything else.
“It’s just pure cricket. A battle between bat and ball. It will be a great contest, so why not?”
With both cricket boards and players showing interest, the possibility of a historic Test series between Pakistan and India remains an exciting prospect for fans worldwide.
