Batting legend Sunil Gavaskar commented on the potential resumption of cricketing ties between India and Pakistan, which last occurred during a bilateral series in 2012-13. He emphasized that for such series to resume, both governments must ensure peace at their borders. Despite India’s victory over Pakistan in the recent Champions Trophy, Gavaskar noted that ongoing border tensions hinder discussions on reviving bilateral matches. Additionally, potential upcoming encounters in the Asia Cup 2025 could occur in a neutral venue, with Sri Lanka and UAE as likely hosts, as the BCCI remains cautious about playing in Pakistan.
Batting legend Sunil Gavaskar has expressed his thoughts on the potential revival of cricketing relations between India and Pakistan. The last time the two teams engaged in a bilateral series was during the 2012-13 season, when Pakistan visited India for a limited-overs series. Tensions stemming from political differences have led to matches between India and Pakistan being limited to global and continental tournaments. Recently, India secured a victory against Pakistan by 6 wickets to qualify for the semi-finals of the Champions Trophy. In a recent discussion, Gavaskar indicated that the resumption of bilateral cricket between the two nations hinges on both governments maintaining peace along the borders.
“By truly ensuring peace at the borders… (How can India and Pakistan conduct a bilateral series?) It’s quite straightforward. If there is peace at the borders, then I believe both governments will likely say, ‘Look, alright, we’ve had no incidents, nothing at all. So let’s at least begin conversations’,” Gavaskar remarked during a segment on ‘Ten Sports‘ show ‘Dressing Room’.
Gavaskar noted that while there are ongoing efforts to reinstate bilateral series, ongoing tensions at the border significantly contribute to India’s hesitance to play in Pakistan.
“I’m quite sure there are some back-channel communications occurring. However, one must observe the situation both on the ground and off, considering the incursions we frequently hear about. That’s why the Indian government is stating, ‘Look, maybe until all that ceases, we shouldn’t even consider having or discussing anything’,” he continued.
The India vs Pakistan encounter in the Champions Trophy 2025 was notably one-sided. Under Rohit Sharma’s captaincy, India showcased dominance across all facets of the game, clinching a six-wicket victory against Pakistan. However, according to reports, fans may have the opportunity to witness three more India vs Pakistan clashes later this year in the Asia Cup. This continental tournament, set to be played in T20 format this time, will feature 19 matches and is projected to occur between the second and fourth week of September, as per a report from Cricbuzz.
The report indicates that while the Asia Cup 2025 was initially assigned to India, due to the dynamics between India and Pakistan, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has opted to host it in a neutral venue. Although the location has yet to be finalized, Sri Lanka and the UAE are being considered as potential hosts. The BCCI will remain the designated organizers.
In the Champions Trophy 2025, while Pakistan is named as the host, India opted out of playing there after the BCCI decided not to send its team. This decision resulted in a significant conflict between the two teams, leading to India’s matches being relocated to Dubai.
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