A tri-nation series between India and Pakistan can be held at some point: Ramiz Raja

Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Ramiz Raja said that a tri-nation series, involving India and Pakistan, isn’t out of the cards, although he ruled out possibilities of bilateral meetings between the two Asian countries. Earlier this week, Geoff Allardice, the interim chief executive of the International Cricket Council, also ruled out chances of bilateral series between India and Pakistan.

Back in 2012, Pakistan toured India for a T20I and ODI series after which the two nations have only locked horns in tournaments, organised by the ICC and the Asian Cricket Council. Pakistan are also set to host the 2025 Champions Trophy and the 2023 Asia Cup over the next decade.

Indian Sports Minister Anurag Thakur said that a decision will be taken in due course regarding India touring Pakistan for the events. Raja, also a former Pakistan cricketer, said that he doesn’t expect India to back out of the multi-nation tournaments.

Ramiz Raja shares his opinions

“It is hard to get a bilateral series with India but tri-nation series can be held at some point. As far as the international tournaments are concerned, it is not easy to pull out. Because in that case, there is pressure. And all these things are presented to the boards and I don’t think this will happen,” Raja was quoted as saying in a virtual press conference.

India haven’t toured Pakistan since the 2005-06 season. The teams locked horns in a few bilateral series thereafter, but political tensions at regular intervals led to further problems between the two nations.

Raja also said that he shares a cordial working relationship with Sourav Ganguly, the president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India. The veteran mentioned that political interference may not allow the growth of cricket and cricketers.

“With regards to my working relationship with Sourav Ganguly, I have that. We spoke about numerous things and how can we take the world cricket forward.

“There should be a benefit for everyone since cricketers are holding these positions and it is easier to talk since the bond is there. It won’t be easy and as long as there are political hurdles involved, things won’t move forward,” he added.