BCCI president Roger Binny expressed optimism about the possibility of an India vs Pakistan bilateral cricket series happening in the near future. Binny, a former cricketer and part of the 1983 World Cup-winning team, emphasized that the BCCI alone cannot make this decision. It ultimately depends on the governments of both India and Pakistan to decide on such a series. Binny shared his hopes for a bilateral series, especially with the upcoming ODI World Cup and Pakistan’s scheduled visit to India for a match.
Binny, along with BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla, recently returned to India from Pakistan after attending Asia Cup matches on an invitation from the Pakistan Cricket Board. This visit marked the first instance in 17 years that these BCCI office bearers had traveled to Pakistan.
While India and Pakistan are currently competing in the Asia Cup in Sri Lanka, their next Super 4 match is set for Sunday. The highly anticipated India-Pakistan clash in the World Cup is scheduled for October 14 in Ahmedabad. However, following that match, cricket fans will need to await another ICC event or an Asia Cup for the next India-Pakistan encounter, as bilateral series between the two countries have been suspended.
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The last bilateral tour of India to Pakistan occurred in 2006, and the last visit by Pakistan to India was during the 2008 Asia Cup. While Pakistan did visit India for a short white-ball series in 2012, cricketing ties between the two nations have primarily been limited to ICC and ACC events over the past decade.
When asked if cricket could serve as a means to promote peace between India and Pakistan, Binny noted the positive impact of cricket on diplomatic relations. He referenced the 2004 tour as an example, highlighting how it fostered a friendly atmosphere and increased trade activities. Binny also praised Pakistan for their hospitality during the recent visit and mentioned the warm reception they received.
Rajeev Shukla also commended the Pakistan Cricket Board for their hospitality during the visit and emphasized that it was a goodwill trip for cricket that went well. He mentioned that the visit to Sri Lanka was also part of BCCI’s effort to maintain positive relationships with all Asian Cricket Council (ACC) members, considering that ACC President Mr. Jay Shah is also BCCI’s secretary.