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Former IPL chairman Lalit Modi has raised serious doubts regarding the potential for India and Pakistan to resume bilateral cricket engagements. According to Modi, political interference remains a significant hindrance.
Impact of Political Interference
In an appearance on former England captain Michael Vaughan’s YouTube show, The Overlap Cricket, Modi indicated that the ongoing political tensions between the cricket boards of both nations pose a barrier to conducting any series, even at neutral venues. He highlighted the increasing political influence over the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) as a major concern.
Neutral Venues Won’t Solve Core Issues
Dismissing the idea that neutral venues could resolve the situation, Modi asserted that the challenges are rooted deeply in governance, not just logistical concerns. He underscored that independent decision-making is being eroded within the PCB, complicating efforts to arrange matches between India and Pakistan.
No Short-Term Solutions in Sight
Expressing his pessimism about the future of bilateral cricket, Modi stated, “I fear that it may not be possible in the near future, primarily because of the politicisation by the Pakistan Cricket Board in Pakistan. That’s the unfortunate reality.” His comments convey a strong sense of unease regarding any imminent improvement in relations.
Player Safety Concerns
Modi expressed additional concerns regarding player safety amidst the highly charged atmosphere that accompanies India-Pakistan clashes. Reflecting on his past experiences, he recounted how he had to relocate Pakistani players from the IPL following the tragic 26/11 attacks in Mumbai.
Last Bilateral Series: A Historical Perspective
The last bilateral series between India and Pakistan took place in 2012-13, when Pakistan toured India for a limited-overs series consisting of two T20Is and three ODIs. The T20I series ended in a 1–1 draw, while Pakistan claimed victory in the ODI series with a score of 2–1. Since then, both teams have only met in ICC tournaments and multi-nation events like the Asia Cup.
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