The former Chairman of the Indian Premier League Lalit Modi had spoken regarding the future of India and Pakistan in Test cricket. Despite the rivalry between the nations, India and Pakistan continue to feature against each other in every ICC tournament. Neither of the countries are travelling to each other’s venues and a neutral venue is set up for the event. Lalit Modi doesn’t think that a Test match could happen between the nations considering the political outlook.

“The tension isn’t going away, it is only getting worse," was the statement by Lalit Modi on being asked about the relations. Since the Pahalgam attack, the Indian players have even refused to shake hands which was seen critically. There are several factors that involve politics in the decision making of the Pakistan Cricket Board.

 

Political strain and board-level friction continue to block prospects of a historic red-ball clash

The English commentator Michael Vaughan had asked regarding the possibility of a test match between India and Pakistan. He stated that if it’s not possible to host for either country, then the match could be hosted by the UK or Australia as well. The commercial value that the India-Pakistan matches hold are immense and that could significantly benefit the hosts. The UK has a huge Indian population and there is no doubt that the tickets will be sold out. The broadcasting rights would be sold at record rates as there hasn’t been an India-Pakistan Test match in decades. So it comes as no surprise that any country in the world will be fine with hosting the match as there will be a significant increase in the revenue.

“The problem is... If the Pakistan Cricket board was independent and ran independently not politically influenced we would have some traction but today the Pakistan Cricket Board is so politicised by the powers that be and pulling the levers and making it political. We have tension at that level and the tension isn't going away it is only getting worse” said Lalit Modi.

It is true that the relations between the boards have worsened in recent times, especially after India’s stance of no physical contact with the Pakistan players. After India won the Asia Cup, the trophy was to be presented by the PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, and India wouldn’t take it from him. Mohsin decided to not give them the trophy and he took it back to his hotel room. So there clearly is friction between the boards and there is nothing to suggest that it will get better. The Pakistan Cricket Board is under heavy influence of politics and that undermines the ultimate spirit of the sport.

The view that Lalit Modi expressed is purely logical as the current situation does not favour such matches. The Indian fans had urged BCCI to boycott the Asia Cup match against Pakistan prior to the tournament. With both nations being passionate and sharing contradictory political stances, it would be a far-fetched dream for cricket lovers to see India taking on Pakistan in a Test.