Pakistan and India could potentially face each other in a multi-nation cricket series as the International Cricket Council (ICC) explores the possibility of staging a profitable tri-series or a four-team series involving the arch-rivals, sources have revealed.
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had been proposing the idea of organising a tri-series or four-nation tournament with India for several years, with the concept gaining renewed attention ahead of an ICC seminar on the Future Tours Programme (FTP).
The seminar is scheduled to take place in Dubai on September 22 and 23, with representatives of all 12 Test-playing nations and eight associate members expected to attend.
One of the proposals expected to be discussed is the financial viability of multi-nation series compared to conventional bilateral ODI or T20I contests. The suggestion is that involving more teams could create stronger commercial returns while also providing broadcasters and organisers with a more attractive package.
Under the proposed model, Pakistan and India could be joined by one or two additional teams, creating a multi-nation tournament that could generate significant commercial interest.
A Pakistan-India clash remains one of the most lucrative fixtures in world cricket, attracting huge audiences and substantial broadcasting and sponsorship revenues. However, political tensions between the two neighbouring countries have prevented them from playing a bilateral series for more than a decade.
The two sides last played a bilateral series in 2013, and have since met only in multi-nation tournaments organised by the ICC and Asian Cricket Council (ACC).
Despite the commercial appeal of a Pakistan-India series, any cricketing engagement between the two countries requires clearance from their respective governments.
According to Indian media reports, the Indian government does not have the same objection to Pakistan and India playing each other in multi-nation tournaments, making such events a more realistic option than a full bilateral series.
Sources have indicated that if the proposal moves forward, potential Pakistan-India multi-nation tournaments could be hosted at neutral venues such as the United Arab Emirates (UAE), England or Australia.
