The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is making moves to reinvigorate cricket ties with India by proposing a T20I bilateral series at a neutral venue in 2025. This initiative comes from PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who plans to discuss the proposal with BCCI Secretary Jay Shah during the ICC annual conference in Colombo, Sri Lanka, from July 19-22.
The PCB is firm on not relocating the Champions Trophy matches outside Pakistan, despite concerns raised by the Indian government and the BCCI about security and political issues. The PCB suggests hosting all Champions Trophy matches involving the Indian team in Lahore, with the Indian team staying in one hotel to ensure stringent security measures.
During the meeting in Colombo, Naqvi will propose the T20 series to Shah, potentially scheduling it during the free days of both teams after the Champions Trophy. This discussion will be a significant part of the ICC annual conference agenda, which includes the potential relocation of Champions Trophy matches to a neutral venue due to the aforementioned security concerns.
In a move to enhance security and logistics, the PCB has recently acquired land next to Gaddafi Cricket Stadium in Lahore to construct a five-star hotel. The construction of this hotel aims to be completed by early next year, eliminating the need for teams to stay in distant hotels and reducing the need for road closures for security purposes.
The meeting between Naqvi and Shah is crucial, as Naqvi will attempt to persuade Shah to send the Indian team to Pakistan. However, the final decision rests with the Indian government, not the BCCI. Last year, the Indian cricket team refused to travel to Pakistan for the Asia Cup, resulting in the matches being held in Sri Lanka.
Pakistan and India have not played a bilateral series since 2012, with the Indian government restricting cricket encounters with Pakistan to ICC or ACC events only. The proposal for a T20I series at a neutral venue in 2025 could be a step towards normalizing cricket relations between the two neighboring countries, offering fans a much-anticipated cricketing spectacle.
The ICC annual conference in Colombo will be pivotal, as it will address various key issues, including the Champions Trophy's logistics and the potential bilateral series.
The PCB's efforts to build new infrastructure and ensure comprehensive security for visiting teams highlight their commitment to hosting international cricket in Pakistan. If successful, the proposed series could mark a significant milestone in Pakistan-India cricket relations, bringing a new chapter to the historic rivalry.
The cricketing world watches closely as these discussions unfold, hopeful for a positive outcome that will see two of cricket's greatest rivals back on the field in a bilateral series, fostering goodwill and sportsmanship between the nations.
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