India To Play Test Series Against Pakistan In England? All You Need To Know

Richard Gould, Chief Executive of England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has openly expressed his desire to host a Test match between India and Pakistan.

The last time India and Pakistan played a bilateral limited-overs series was during Pakistan's tour of India in 2012-13.

Source : PTI

In cricket, matches between India and Pakistan are always considered a major clash. The rivalry between these two cricketing nations is among the oldest in the sport's history. Due to geopolitical tensions, India and Pakistan now only face each other in ICC tournaments. The last time the two countries played a bilateral limited-overs series was during Pakistan's tour of India in 2012-13.

England expresses desire to host India vs Pakistan Test series on home turf

According to Insidesports, Richard Gould, Chief Executive of England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), openly expressed his desire to host a Test match between India and Pakistan.

"Everybody would love that. I wouldn’t say it’s [hosting and India v Pakistan Test] impossible. The politics between the BCCI and the Pakistan Cricket Board are long known, as are the politics between governments. And I find that fascinating," Gould said during the tea break on the first day of England vs West Indies 3rd Test match.

"We were in Sri Lanka over the weekend for ICC meetings, and you see Pakistan cricket supporters and India cricket supporters getting on so well, but as soon as the political element is put in, it creates issues," he added.

The last Test match between India and Pakistan took place 17 years ago, in 2007.

Will India travel to Pakistan for Champions Trophy 2025? 

The BCCI is unlikely to permit India to travel to Pakistan for Champions Trophy 2025. Reports indicate that Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has asked ICC to persuade India to play all their matches in Pakistan, with plans to host all of India's matches in Lahore. BCCI, however, prefers that the ICC arrange for India to play all their matches at a neutral venue, such as Sri Lanka or Dubai.

If India decides not to participate in the Champions Trophy 2025, Sri Lanka will take their place in the competition.