IND vs PAK Test: MCC interested to host at Melbourne Ground

The Melbourne Cricket Club (MCC) has communicated interest in facilitating a Test match between most despised rivals India and Pakistan after effectively coordinating the marquee T20 World Cup conflict between the different sides recently.

MCC, which deals with the Melbourne Cricket Ground, and the Victoria government have as of late asked with Cricket Australia (CA) about the chance of facilitating the high-profile Test.

Following the tremendous success of the T20 World Cup match in October, which was attended by over 90,000 spectators, MCC chief executive Stuart Fox has stated that he intends to host the Test.

“Absolutely. Three (Tests) in a row would be lovely at the MCG. You’d fill it every time. We have asked, We’ve taken that up with Cricket Australia. I know the (Victoria) government has as well. Again, it’s enormously complicated from what I can understand, amongst a really busy schedule. So I think that’s probably the greater challenge. Wouldn’t it be great that it wasn’t just Australia-centric and Victoria-centric, that we’re catering for all the countries and filling the stadium all the time. So we have asked.”

Fox was quoted as saying by SEN radio.

Fox said it is now up to CA to pursue the matter with the ICC.

“Hopefully, Cricket Australia keep taking it up with the ICC and keep pushing for it. When you do see some of the stadiums around the world unoccupied, I think it would be much better to have a full house and that atmosphere and celebrating the game with full houses,”

he said.

India and Pakistan last competed against one another in a bilateral Test match in 2007

Since then, neither team has faced off against the other except in ICC or Asian Cricket Council competitions.

Fox anticipates a full house in the Boxing Day Test between Pakistan and Australia at the MCG in 2023 as part of a three-match series in the upcoming World Test Championship cycle. Similar to the India-Pakistan T20 World Cup match, Pakistan are scheduled to play in that match.

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“I’ve never seen anything like it at the MCG, that India-Pakistan game was something else, The atmosphere, I’ve never felt it like that. The noise after every ball was just phenomenal and the families and children and everyone enjoying it. I think if we can be more inclusive and make sure that we cater for all cultures, we’ve got to tap into that Pakistan community next year. We want them here and that would be fantastic to have a full house day one”

Fox said.