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The red-ball impasse between the arch-rivals India and Pakistan can come to a halt as the Melbourne Cricket Club (MCC) and the Victorian government have made enquiries about hosting a neutral Test between the neighbouring nation after almost 15 years. However, MCC admits that the situation is complicated given the political tension between the Asian giants.
The initiative has been taken after witnessing the high-voltage encounters between India and Pakistan in the T20 World Cup in October which were a cricket blockbuster show by all means.
While speaking on SEN radio on Day four of the second Test between Australia and South Africa, MCC chief executive Stuart Fox confirmed approaches have been made to Cricket Australia about luring the famous rivals to end their Test match deadlock at the MCG.
Their rivalry has been restricted to major tournaments in modern times as they have not played each other in a bilateral series since 2012 due to ongoing political tension between the countries. The last Test match between India and Pakistan was way back in December 2007.
"Absolutely. Three [Tests] in a row would be lovely at the MCG. You'd fill it every time. We have asked," Fox said.
"We've taken that up with Cricket Australia. I know the [Victoria] government has as well. Again, it's enormously complicated from what I can understand, amongst a really busy schedule. So I think that's probably the greater challenge.
"Wouldn't it be great that it wasn't just Australia-centric and Victoria-centric, that we're catering for all the countries and filling the stadium all the time. So we have asked.
"Hopefully, Cricket Australia keep taking it up with the ICC and keep pushing for it. When you do see some of the stadiums around the world unoccupied, I think it would be much better to have a full house and that atmosphere and celebrating the game with full houses," he further added.
The Future Tours Program presently does not have any bilateral cricket matches between India and Pakistan scheduled between 2023 and 2027. There are still issues over the two teams visiting each other’s countries for the 2023 Asia Cup and ODI World Cup.
Given the current political climate in both countries, it is very unlikely that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) will agree to any bilateral cricket no matter in what part of the world.
The last decision will solely be taken by BCCI and PCB, a CA spokesperson confirmed ESPNcricinfo.
"It would be up to the two countries to agree," the spokesperson said.
“But if there was to be a Test between India and Pakistan on neutral territory, we would of course be interested in the opportunity to host it in Australia. The supporters of the two teams here for the World Cup were amazing and the vast majority of those fans live in Australia,” the spokesperson added.
