After the Lahore Tour, Roger Binny is “hopeful” that the bilateral series between India and Pakistan would resume

Recently, vice-president Rajeev Shukla and BCCI president Roger Binny crossed the Attari-Wagah border into India from Pakistan after seeing a few Asia Cup games at the request of the Pakistan Cricket Board. Upon returning to India, Binny responded favorably to a question on the likelihood of the two neighbors’ bilateral cricket series resuming.

The 1983 ODI World Cup champion expressed optimism that bilateral cricket between India and Pakistan, who have recently only played each other in Asia Cup and ICC competitions, will restart.

However, Binny emphasized that the BCCI cannot handle the situation on its own; both governments must step in.

“BCCI cannot comment. Government must make a decision since it is a matter of government. We must wait and observe. And hopefully it will since Pakistan’s squad will be in India for the next ODI World Cup, according to Binny, who spoke to PTI on Wednesday after returning from Pakistan. Officials from the BCCI crossed the border for the first time in 17 years.

Binny and Shukla were seen at the Pakistan vs. Bangladesh match at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, where Pakistan prevailed by a score of 7 wickets. Meanwhile, the Super 4 matchup between India and Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2023 is scheduled to take place in Colombo.

The last bilateral cricket match between India and Pakistan took place in 2006; India last traveled to Pakistan in 2008 for the Asia Cup; while Pakistan last crossed the border in 2016 for the T20 World Cup.

Since the two countries haven’t played each other outside of ICC and Asia Cup tournaments for more over ten years, Binny is optimistic that cricket will be the means by which the two neighbors may find peace.

“Even earlier, cricket was a significant medium. For instance, the mood that was fostered during the 2004 tour led to many friendships and trade delegations. It was a terrific mood since the shops weren’t even accepting payment from customers, said the BCCI president.