It has been over 10 years since India and Pakistan played a bilateral series, with the last one happening way back in 2012-13. The India vs Pakistan matches are only restricted to ICC events, where the viewership soars. However, due to the mounting tension between the two nations, a series is really out of question.
But PCB Chairman Zaka Ashraf believes that both the nations are ready to play if they get government clearance. In a press conference, Ashraf was quoted as saying by pcb.com.pk, “As far as India-Pakistan series are concerned, both the boards are ready to play one another as long as there is government clearance.”
On the other hand, the BCCI did not respond to this statement. But the Indian board has maintained, and Sports Minister Anurag Thakur clarified in September 2023, that the two nations won’t play a series until ‘terrorism’ ended from the other side.
Anurag Thakur while speaking to reporters had said, “BCCI had decided much earlier that we would not play bilateral matches with Pakistan until they put an end to terrorism, cross-border attacks and infiltration. I think the sentiments of the country and of the public are also the same.”
