New Delhi .In the coming time, a new way may open for the cricket fans of India and Pakistan to see both the teams in the same tournament. The International Cricket Council is considering the possibility of a new format of the multinational cricket competition, which could include one or two other teams along with India and Pakistan.
As per the current discussions, the proposed competition could be in the form of a tri-series or a four-team tournament. Its objective is not only to host a contest between India and Pakistan, but also to create new options for commercially attractive multinational competitions in the international cricket calendar.
Bilateral cricket ties have not taken place between India and Pakistan since 2012–13. The two teams usually come face to face only in ICC tournaments and multinational competitions like the Asia Cup. In such a situation, if the new plan is implemented, a different system can be prepared for the matches between the two countries.
The biggest challenge behind this proposal is the current policy of India. The Indian cricket administration has for a long time been not in favor of resuming the bilateral cricket series with Pakistan. This is why instead of organizing a series only between the two countries, the multinational format is being seen as a possible option.
Demand from Pakistan to restart cricket relations with India has also been raised from time to time. Pakistan Cricket Board has also proposed to organize a bilateral series at a neutral venue, but due to lack of consent from India, this path could not go ahead.
Now the idea of multinational competition has emerged as a different option amid this impasse. Apart from India and Pakistan, teams other than India can be included in it, which will make the competition a multi-team event rather than a bilateral series.
An important aspect of this proposal is its commercial impact. The match between India and Pakistan is expected to get huge viewership and strong commercial interest in the cricket world. If this match is made a part of a bigger tournament with other teams, then the business opportunities related to broadcasting and organizing can increase.
This issue is likely to be discussed in a meeting related to a future international event to be held in September. It has come to light that representatives of Test playing countries and Associate members will participate in the proposed meeting in Dubai. New options for multinational tournaments are also among the possible topics of discussion.
However, this proposal has not yet received final approval nor has any new tri-series between India and Pakistan been officially announced. Therefore, at present it is being seen only as a possible plan. For its implementation, it will be necessary to have consensus at the cricket administrative level and to be compatible with the existing policy circumstances related to both the countries.
If the plan goes ahead, a new international platform could be created for competition between India and Pakistan. However, important details like its date, venue, number of teams and format are not decided yet. In such a situation, this news definitely increases hope for cricket fans, but we will have to wait for the official decision.