BCCI turns down MCC chief's proposal of hosting India-Pakistan Tests: Reports

Recently, many cricket boards have expressed their interests to stage an India-Pakistan Test series and the latest entrants on this list happen to be the Melbourne Cricket Club (MCC). MCC's CEO Stuart Fox proposed the idea of organizing a Test series between the two arch-rivals at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).

Even though the latest proposal seems exciting for the cricket fans of both countries, it has been reported that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is not too keen to take this forward and mentioned that no such match will be taking place and should someone have this kind of a wish, they may better keep it to themselves.

 If someone has such kind of wish keep it to yourself: BCCI Source

"No such plans for India and Pakistan Test series in future or in any country, if someone has such kind of wish keep it to yourself," a BCCI source said as quoted by NDTV.

Notably, the arch-rivals have not played a bilateral Test series since the 2007-08 season and India’s last away Test tour of Pakistan happened way back in 2005-06. Since 2012, the two teams have only been locking horns in multi-nation tournaments.

India’s last visit to Pakistan was way back in 2008 for the Asia Cup. The bilateral relations between both countries have soured since the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. In fact, the BCCI has also disallowed the Pakistani players from participating in the IPL.

Only former all-rounder Azhar Mahmood was an exception since he had UK citizenship. Pakistan-born Sikandar Raza is the latest entrant in the cash-rich tournament, but he has earned his contract since he represents Zimbabwe at the highest level.

In October this year, Jay Shah after his re-appointment as the BCCI  secretary made it clear that the Indian team will not be travelling to Pakistan for the 2023 Asia Cup and the continental tournament will be staged at a neutral venue.