Lord’s keen to host India-Pakistan Test 14/04/2010 |
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Lord's chief executive Keith Bradshaw has revealed that the famous London ground would welcome the opportunity to host a Test between Pakistan and India next year.
Pakistan, which is forced to play home matches on neutral territory because of security fears, starts a two-Test series against Australia at Lord's on July 13.
"We have certainly thought about future matches but I can't say we have had any formal discussions," MCC secretary and chief executive Bradshaw told Reuters.
"India are touring here next year so the prospect of an India-Pakistan neutral Test [at Lord's] is certainly an attractive one but it's not one we have had any official talks on to this point.
"It's probably not for the MCC to be involved in the negotiations – I guess they would be between India, Pakistan and the ECB [England and Wales Cricket Board], but I would say our doors are open and we would love to see that cricket come here."
India was scheduled to tour Pakistan early last year but refused to travel because of security concerns.
Pakistan Cricket Board marketing manager Tariq Hakim added: "The United Arab Emirates has been our only neutral venue to date but the Pakistan Cricket Board is looking for other venues.
"This particular series in England [against Australia] is a test case as a neutral venue and the indications are that we have succeeded and that we will use England in future matches also because of the huge expatriate crowds.
"The early indications are that the two Test matches and Twenty20 internationals [against Australia] are going to be jam-packed."
Asked about a Pakistan-India series in England, Hakim replied: "The boards have to decide about that but, yes, there has been a willingness that they would love to see Pakistan play over here in England."
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