SYDNEY: In an important development for cricket fans in the subcontinent, Cricket Australia chief executive Nick Hockley said he wants to facilitate a high-profile tri-series involving India and Pakistan.
The move comes amid excitement in the cricketing world for the much-anticipated clash between these rivals, which always has a lot of appeal.
In an online press conference, Hockley reflected on the huge excitement over the India-Pakistan standoff.
“Pakistan and India are traditional rivals; “There is a lot of excitement for the game,” he said.
He further said that Cricket Australia is ready to support and assist in organizing bilateral and tri-series with these countries.
“We are ready to support both teams in bilateral and tri-series,” Hockley said, adding that Cricket Australia is ready to facilitate these high-profile matches.
“We want to play a role in the revival of the Pakistan-India bilateral series,” Hockley said, indicating Australia’s desire to bring the two giants of cricket together on the same field.
However, Hockley said such a plan would require coordination between the respective cricket boards and the governments of India and Pakistan.
“The two boards have to decide first and we will help in the arrangements,” he said, adding that official talks are still on hold due to the cricket board’s busy schedule.
At the press conference, Hockley also discussed issues related to support for Afghanistan women’s cricket. He said some Afghan women cricketers living in Australia are actively involved in local cricket clubs thanks to the support of the Australian Cricket Association. Hockley reiterated Cricket Australia’s commitment to protecting women’s cricket and hoped for positive changes that would allow Afghan women to participate more fully in the sport.
“We want to see cricket grow and develop for women and men around the world,” Hockley said.
“The ongoing dialogue with the Afghanistan Cricket Board is to encourage the development of women’s cricket in Afghanistan despite the current political and social challenges.”
Hockley also expressed hope for future developments that would allow bilateral cricket between Australia and Afghanistan to resume. Despite the current ban, Cricket Australia maintains a close relationship with the Afghanistan Cricket Board and continues to support the development of the sport in Afghanistan.
