Following the spectacular success of the match between the bitter rivals in the ICC T20 World Cup at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on October 23, former Australia all-rounder Simon O'Donnell has suggested that negotiations are likely underway for India and Pakistan to play a Test match Down Under.
The T20 World Cup Super-12 match between India and Pakistan was watched by millions of people worldwide while being played at the MCG in front of more than 90,000 fans. This resulted in a revenue boom for Cricket Australia (CA).
Due to hostilities between the neighbours, India and Pakistan have not played a bilateral series in a very long time, and their games are only played in big events hosted by the International Cricket Council (ICC) and Asian Cricket Council (ACC).
According to sen.com.au, O'Donnell added there are also talks of a potential triangular ODI series involving India, Pakistan, and Australia if the "hopes of a Test match fall through." O'Donnell has played six Tests and 87 ODIs, mostly as a right-arm fast bowler.
It was extraordinary, O'Donnell stated on SEN Breakfast on Monday regarding their T20 World Cup match.
"People keep bringing up that particular game as the one that has so far prevented the tournament from moving forward. There were 90,000 people in a neutral location, and there was exceptional emotion due to the game's scenes, tension, and pressure. It was truly spectacular, to the point where I can say that there will be or are now negotiations about holding a test match here "O'Donnell stated.
"A triangular One-Day series between India, Pakistan, and Australia as well as a Test match between India and Pakistan are other options. My word, in the wake of this, there are (discussions taking place) (T20 World Cup clash). There have already been conversations, " he added.
The T20 World Cup match between the two nations yielded benefits, according to O'Donnell, but the organisations that oversee cricket shouldn't waste them by trying to profit from the victory.
You can't just let that slip away, O'Donnell added. "You need to embrace it; I can tell you that there are debates taking place," she said.
The most recent Test series between India and Pakistan took place in 2007, with India winning the three-game series 1-0 at home.