In a significant development for cricket fans in the subcontinent, Cricket Australia’s Chief Executive Nick Hockley has expressed a strong desire to facilitate a high-profile tri-series involving India and Pakistan.
This move comes amidst growing excitement for the long-awaited clash between these traditional rivals, which has always been a major attraction in the cricketing world.
During an online press conference, Hockley highlighted the immense enthusiasm that surrounds India-Pakistan encounters.
“Pakistan and India are traditional rival teams; there is a lot of excitement for their matches,” he remarked.
He further elaborated that Cricket Australia is keen to support and assist in organising both bilateral and tri-series with these nations.
“We are ready to support both teams for a bilateral and a tri-series,” Hockley added, emphasising Cricket Australia’s readiness to facilitate these high-stakes matches.
“We would be happy to play a role in the revival of Pakistan-India bilateral series,” said Hockley, reflecting Cricket Australia’s eagerness to bring these two cricketing giants together on the same pitch.
However, Hockley mentioned that any such plans would require coordination between the respective cricket boards and governments of India and Pakistan.
“The two boards need to decide first, and we will assist in hosting,” he said, adding that formal discussions have yet to take place due to the busy schedules of the cricket boards involved.
During the press conference, Hockley also addressed questions regarding the support for Afghan women's cricket. He noted that several Afghan women cricketers residing in Australia are actively engaged in local cricket clubs, thanks to the support of the Australian cricketing community. Hockley emphasised Cricket Australia’s commitment to advocating for women’s cricket and expressed hope for positive changes that would allow Afghan women to participate more fully in the sport.
"We absolutely want to see cricket grow and thrive all around the world for women and men," Hockley stated.
"The ongoing dialogue with the Afghanistan Cricket Board aims to encourage the development of women's cricket in Afghanistan, despite current political and social challenges."
Hockley also expressed hope for future progress that would allow for the resumption of bilateral cricket between Australia and Afghanistan. Despite current restrictions, Cricket Australia maintains close communication with the Afghanistan Cricket Board and remains committed to supporting the growth of the sport in Afghanistan.