"Political element creates issues" - ECB eyes epic India-Pakistan Test on English soil despite political challenges

Amid the speculations over a historic Test match between India and Pakistan, the Chief Executive of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), Richard Gould, has sparked excitement by hinting at the possibility of hosting this high-stakes clash on English soil.

The prospect of witnessing the archrivals battle it out in the traditional format of the game—Test cricket on one of England’s iconic stadiums—left the cricketing world abuzz about the same.

ECB CEO hints at India-Pakistan Test match on English soil amid political hurdles

However, the ECB CEO admitted that the political tension between the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) remains a significant hurdle, but the idea is not off the table.

The ongoing political tensions between India and Pakistan have historically complicated cricketing fixtures between the two nations, but Gould's statement brings hope for the fans to see them up against each other in Test cricket for the first time since the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks.

Recently, Gould attended the ICC meetings in Sri Lanka, where fans from both nations were seen on good terms during the Women’s Asia Cup 2024. He highlighted a stark contrast between the passionate support of fans and the complex politics that frequently disrupt their enjoyment.

The ECB is eager to grab the tempting opportunity to host the India-Pakistan Test in England, but the entrenched political barriers need to be navigated to bring this much-anticipated encounter to life.

The political element creates issues between India and Pakistan: Richard Gould

The ECB CEO said that a Test match between the two archrivals is possible, but the politics between the PCB and BCCI and their respective nations make things tough for the world.

Richard Gould said on the BBC Test Match Special: “Everybody would love that. I wouldn't say it's [hosting and India v Pakistan Test] impossible. The politics between the BCCI and the Pakistan Cricket Board are long known, as are the politics between governments. And I find that fascinating.

We were in Sri Lanka over the weekend for ICC meetings, and you see Pakistan cricket supporters and India cricket supporters getting on so well, but as soon as the political element is put in, it creates issues.”

Gould made these remarks during the tea break on day one of the third and final Test between England and the West Indies in Birmingham. England already won the ongoing home Test series by winning the first two Tests at Lord’s and Trent Bridge.

Now, Ben Stokes and his team are aiming for a clean sweep against the West Indies in the final Test in Birmingham. Notably, there is already a debate over BCCI’s denial to send Team India to Pakistan for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in February-March.

The BCCI cited that the Indian Government is not providing clearance for the team to travel to Pakistan for safety purposes, but the PCB is not in the mood to adopt a hybrid model for India’s matches in the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025.