Pakistan and India could potentially meet in a new Pakistan India multi-nation series as the International Cricket Council explores alternative formats for future international cricket.
Sources say the ICC is considering the commercial potential of tri-series and four-team tournaments. Such events could include the two long-time rivals alongside one or two other teams.
The idea could receive further attention during an upcoming ICC Future Tours Programme seminar in Dubai.
ICC to Discuss Future Cricket Formats
The seminar is scheduled for September 22 and 23.
Representatives from the 12 Test-playing nations and eight Associate members are expected to take part. One key issue will be the financial value of different international cricket formats.
In particular, multi-team tournaments could offer stronger commercial returns than some traditional bilateral ODI or T20I series.
Broadcasters could also benefit from a package that includes several high-profile matches.
Pakistan and India Could Be Joined by Other Teams
Under the proposed model, Pakistan and India would not necessarily play a standalone bilateral series.
Instead, one or two additional teams could join them.
That format would create a tri-series or four-team competition. It could also provide a way for Pakistan and India to meet without arranging a traditional bilateral tour.
The proposal remains at the discussion stage. No tournament involving Pakistan and India has been confirmed.
Pakistan-India Matches Remain Highly Valuable
A Pakistan-India cricket match remains one of the biggest attractions in international sport.
Games between the rivals regularly draw huge television audiences. They also generate major sponsorship and broadcasting interest.
However, political tensions have prevented Pakistan and India from playing a bilateral series for more than a decade.
The teams last played a bilateral series in 2013.
Since then, they have met mainly in major multi-nation competitions organised by the ICC and Asian Cricket Council.
Government Approval Remains Important
Any future cricket engagement between Pakistan and India would still require approval from their respective governments.
That remains one of the biggest challenges for organisers.
However, Indian media reports have suggested that New Delhi has fewer objections to Pakistan-India matches taking place as part of multi-nation tournaments.
Therefore, a tournament involving several countries could prove more practical than a full bilateral series.
Neutral Venues Could Host the Matches
If the proposal moves forward, organisers could consider neutral venues.
The United Arab Emirates, England and Australia have emerged as possible options, according to sources.
The UAE could be particularly attractive because it has previously hosted major Pakistan-India matches and international tournaments.
However, no host country has been selected at this stage.
Commercial Interests Behind the Proposal
The financial argument could play a major role in the ICC’s discussions.
A multi-nation tournament featuring Pakistan and India could attract broadcasters, sponsors and global audiences.
Moreover, adding other strong teams would create several commercially valuable fixtures instead of relying on a single bilateral series.
The format could also give cricket boards greater flexibility when planning crowded international schedules.
What Happens Next?
The proposal is expected to receive more attention during discussions about the next Future Tours Programme.
For now, though, Pakistan and India remain rivals without a confirmed bilateral series.
If the ICC and member boards agree that multi-nation events offer stronger financial returns, the concept could gain momentum.
For cricket fans, that could eventually mean more opportunities to watch Pakistan and India face each other.
However, government approvals and scheduling challenges will remain crucial before any new series becomes a reality.
