Former IPL Chairman Lalit Modi Dismisses Near-Term Resumption of India-Pakistan Bilateral Cricket

Former Indian Premier League (IPL) Chairman Lalit Modi states that bilateral cricket series between India and Pakistan will not resume in the foreseeable future, citing political interference within the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) as the primary obstacle.

Governance and Political Pressures

Speaking on former England captain Michael Vaughan’s podcast, Modi dismissed the possibility of hosting matches at neutral venues. He argued the problem extends beyond logistics and is rooted in the governance structure of the PCB. Modi observed that decisions are no longer made independently within Pakistani cricketing circles.

“I fear that it may not be possible in the near future, primarily because of the politicisation by the Pakistan Cricket Board,” Modi stated. He noted that if the PCB operated independently from political forces, administrators might find traction to revive ties between the two boards.

Safety Concerns and IPL History

Modi highlighted player security as a major factor in the heavily charged atmosphere surrounding India-Pakistan encounters. He referenced his own administrative history regarding the issue. Following the 2008 Mumbai attacks, Modi managed the departure of Pakistani athletes from the IPL. Pakistani cricketers participated in the inaugural 2008 season but have been restricted from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) sanctioned league since 2009.

Last Bilateral Series Results (2012-2013)

The last bilateral contest between the two nations occurred over a decade ago when Pakistan toured India. Since that tour concluded, meetings between the national teams have been strictly confined to International Cricket Council (ICC) events and Asian Cricket Council tournaments.

To view comprehensive historical match data and current statistics regarding India and Pakistan cricket records, consult ESPNcricinfo.