Yesterday’s Super 4 match was the 2nd in exactly a week’s time. The first encounter saw the other team win whereas, on 4th Sept, it was Pakistan’s day. In the recent past, such close encounters have not been witnessed, since they were more or less one-sided games, either it was decided in the 1st innings of the match or mid-way thru the 2nd innings. All the hype was before the contest and for the match, it was not much so.
The hard-fought battles in the days of Imran Khan, Javed Miandad, Wasim Akram, Inzamam-ul-Haq, and Shoaib Akhtar era were nowhere to be found. The first match of Asia Cup 2022 between arch-rivals, was the one that went down to the last over and nothing could be said about it till the point it was won. Similar was the case with this match as well.
Now looking at the magnitude of these games, I believe that we two cricketing nations should set aside their political differences and start playing bilateral series at least once a year. It will benefit both the countries, it will attract huge sponsors, huge investments from either side and definitely internationally too. Just like big conglomerates sponsor NBA, English Premier League, etc., such series can have a similar impact as well. I am sure this will be bigger than the Ashes too. I heard Scott Styris (former NZ all-rounder) say on the mic that this is his 1st match which he is watching live as a commentator and the atmosphere is simply erratic.
The format could range from Tests to T20is. Best of 3 or 5 test matches along with best of 5 T20is should be played, yearly. A special window should be kept for such a series. It will have a huge impact on every industry linked with cricket. I remember such series were played in the past which included, the Sahara Cup (played in Toronto, Canada), the infamous Sharjah Cup (played in Sharjah), and other such series played in Pakistan & India.
It will also benefit the players. They will have their own stardom, and players from both sides can become ambassadors of the game. It will provide great learning opportunities for players on each side. Players will learn to adapt to different pressure situations. Fans will benefit by having their legends play before them. I assume every match will be completely sold out when they’ll play.
Have your say in the comments section below, about this thought.
Osama Writes 
Absolutely, more indo-pak matches are not just good for the 2 countries but the game itself.
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