Ravi Shastri Links India-Pakistan Test Series to Political Relations

LEEDS: Former Indian cricketer and head coach Ravi Shastri has stated that the possibility of Test matches between Pakistan and India hinges on the political climate between the two nations.

The last bilateral series between Pakistan and India took place in 2012/13, with their most recent Test match dating back to the 2007/08 season.

Since then, the two sides have only met in international tournaments like the ICC World Cups, Champions Trophy, and Asia Cups due to ongoing political tensions, which have escalated recently.

Numerous cricket boards and stadiums have offered to host a Test match between the two Asian teams at a neutral venue, but no progress has been made.

Michael Atherton, a former cricketer, brought up the topic of a potential Pakistan-India Test during the ongoing England-India Test at Headingley.

During a match analysis, Atherton asked Shastri for his opinion on the future and potential of a Pakistan-India Test, noting the significant boost it would provide to the format.

Shastri acknowledged that the match would be beneficial but emphasized that it depends on the political relationship between the two countries, not the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) or the International Cricket Council (ICC).

Shastri’s Statement

“It all hinges on political relations. It’s not about the BCCI, the ICC, or anyone else. It’s solely dependent on the politicians’ views and the state of political relations between the two countries, which will ultimately decide whether India plays Pakistan or not,” Ravi Shastri stated.