India vs Pakistan Test Match on the cards!! Head coach delivers shocking ICC update

Former Australia pacer Jason Gillespie has opened up about the possibility of India and Pakistan playing a Test match. The former cricketer stated that the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in Melbourne should host the match and added that it would attract massive TV viewership, including Australian fans.

The cricket rivalry between India and Pakistan is now limited to ICC and ACC tournaments, with the teams competing only in ODIs and T20Is. Following the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, India-Pakistan bilateral series have been stopped, preventing the sides from playing Test cricket against each other.

India and Pakistan Last Played a Bilateral Series in 2012 Due to Political Tensions

The last bilateral series between India and Pakistan occurred in 2012, when Pakistan toured India for a T20I and ODI series. The two teams faced each other in a red-ball series in 2007, when India hosted Pakistan for three Test matches.

SHORTS

View More

Your daily dose of cricket!

Loading...

Since their independence, India and Pakistan have competed in 59 Test matches, with India winning nine and Pakistan securing 12 victories, while 38 matches ended in a draw.

Tests or other bilateral series are unlikely to take place in the near future due to political tensions. However, India and Pakistan continue to meet in ICC and ACC tournaments, including World Cups and Asia Cups. India-Pakistan matches grab attention even without regular encounters.

It Would Be an Amazing Test Match - Jason Gillespie

Jason Gillespie said that a Test match between India and Pakistan would generate excitement. He added that both teams would relish the opportunity to compete. The former bowler also stated that it would attract massive viewership, even if played in Australia.

"Without a doubt, I think it would be an amazing Test match. I think both teams would absolutely love to play — if you put all the politics aside, players just want to play against the best. India v Pakistan would be a massive ratings winner even if it was played in Australia, that's for sure," Gillespie stated.

India-Pakistan ODIs and T20 matches attract hundreds of millions of viewers. A Test match between the two teams would also get a lot of attention and help make the five-day format more popular worldwide.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Willow Talk (@willowtalkpodcast)

Indian and Pakistan Fans Would Come Out in Force - Jason Gillespie

Jason Gillespie said that fans from both countries would attend alongside Australian cricket supporters. He expressed hope that it might happen someday and create an electric atmosphere.

"Both Indian and Pakistan fans would come out in force — you get a lot of Australian cricket fans come out and watch that game because that would be an amazing atmosphere. Maybe, one day it might happen."

England hosted Pakistan for the Test and T20 series against Australia in 2010, as Pakistan was unable to play at home. The Sri Lankan cricket team was attacked by terrorists in 2009, which made hosting international matches in Pakistan unsafe.

Also read: MS Dhoni’s mate Mithun Manhas to become BCCI President; Gautam Gambhir's wings to be clipped?