The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Cricket Australia (CA) Nick Hockley has said that he would welcome the concept of hosting a tri-series involving arch-rivals — India and Pakistan.
“Personally, I really like the tri-series concept. It’s worked well in the past,” Hockely was quoted as saying by 7NEWS.com.au.
“We’d be very open to hosting matches. There are really big communities of both India and Pakistan living in Australia. It’s a contest that everyone wants to see in world cricket and if we can help support further opportunities we would love to do that,” he added.
Notably, bilateral series between the two nations have been suspended since 2012 due to political tensions and the arch-rivals only meet in ICC events.
Earlier in January this year, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Ramiz Raja had proposed the idea of a four-nation Twenty20 Super Series involving arch-rivals India – Pakistan, and England and Australia. Raza had reckoned that his aim was not just to hold a cricket tournament but was also to generate revenues for the four participating boards along with the cricket boards affiliated to the International Cricket Council (ICC).
Notably, big teams like India, Australia and England find it difficult for a window in the packed global cricket calendar however, Raja felt that it would be shame if one can’t find a window for such an event.
“If you can’t find a window for this, then cricket is doomed, sorry,” he had expressed.
Further detailing on his plan for the quadrangular series, Raza said that he would propose a Ltd company at the ICC with a dedicated staff and a Chief Executive Officer for the purpose.
The PCB chief had said that as the two nations don’t play bilateral cricket, the annual four-nation series would pave a way to see the two sides facing-off each other in international cricket.
Currently, Australia is touring Pakistan for a three-match Test series, as many ODIs and a one-off T20I. The first match of the Test series ended in a draw in Rawalpindi and the two sides will now meet in the second Test, starting March 12 at the historic National Stadium in Karachi.