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It has been nearly 15 years since India and Pakistan have played a Test match. It is expected to stay that way until and unless India meet Pakistan in the final of future World Test Championships (WTC). However, as per a report by The Telegraph, England Cricket Board (ECB) has offered to be the neutral host for much-awaited India-Pakistan Test series.
According to the report, ECB deputy chairman, Martin Darlow proposed hosting the Test series between the arch-rivals during the ongoing seven-T20I series between England and Pakistan.
ECB sees India vs Pakistan Test series as a huge opportunity to make money via ticket sales and television rights. Also, England and Australia earn more money when they play against India when compared to the age-old Ashes rivalry.
It is expected that an India vs Pakistan three-Test series will attract huge crowds because of large South Asian population, especially in places like London (Lord’s, Kennington Oval) and Birmingham (Edgbaston).
However, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is not keen on playing India at a neutral venue. The main reason behind the reluctant nature seems to be that only recently other nations have started touring Pakistan. This the first T20I series England have played in Pakistan.
Due to political tensions between the two nations since 26/11 Mumbai attacks, there has not been a single bilateral Test series. Pakistan toured India for three ODIs and two T20Is in 2012. Since then, there have been no bilateral series between the two top sides. Also, Pakistan players have been barred from playing in Indian Premier League (IPL).
This is not the first time England have hosted a Test series for Pakistan. In 2010, Pakistan played a two-Test series against Australia at Lord’s and Headingley but it did not turn out to be a huge success as ticket sales were far from expectations.
India vs Pakistan last Test
When India played Pakistan in a Test in 2007, Anil Kumble was leading the home team against Younis Khan's brigade. The match ended in a draw and Sourav Ganguly was adjudged 'Player of the match' for 239 in the first innings followed by 91 in the second innings. The Test ended in a draw at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru.
