PCB proposes Jinnah-Gandhi Trophy idea to mend relation with India

Pakistan toured India back in 2012-13 to play two T20Is and three ODIs. This was the last time these two sides met in a bilateral series. Since then, the arch-rivals have only faced each other at the ICC events and in the Asia Cup.

India refused to travel to Pakistan to play in the recently concluded Asia Cup 2023. As a result, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) decided to give some of the matches to Sri Lanka, and the 'Men in Blue' played their games in the island nation. However, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) took things in their stride and invited the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) officials to come and watch a few of the Asia Cup games they were hosting in their country. BCCI president Roger Binny and vice-president Rajeev Shukla visited Pakistan and praised their hospitality after returning home.

This was a step taken by the PCB to try and mend the tumultuous relationship with India. Another step in that direction is now being taken by the chairman of the PCB Management Committee, Zaka Ashraf, as the 71-year-old has proposed the idea of a Jinnah-Gandhi bilateral series to the BCCI. Ashraf mentioned that the trophy, named after the two revolutionary leaders, Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Mahatma Gandhi, could be an equivalent to the Ashes.

"I proposed BCCI to play an annual Gandhi-Jinnah trophy likewise the Ashes. India and Pakistan can tour each other for this series. I suggested to the BCCI that we should hold a Jinnah-Gandhi trophy," Ashraf told ARY News.

On the other hand, BCCI have mentioned time and again that touring Pakistan is subject to clearance from the Government of India.

Babar Azam and Co. are currently in India, as they are set to take part in the ODI World Cup. The two traditional rivals will face each other on October 14 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.