One of the fiercest rivalries in world cricket -- India vs Pakistan -- is now limited to just ICC and ACC events, where the two teams face off only in ODI and T20I cricket.
This is due to the long-standing political tensions between the nations following the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, which stopped bilateral cricket between the sides and, to a large extent, also Test cricket.
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The last time India played any bilateral series against Pakistan was in 2012, when Pakistan toured India for a T20I and ODI series.
Reacting to the lack of Test cricket between the two sides, former Australia pacer Jason Gillespie highlighted the huge TV viewership it could generate if revived. He shared a possible scenario where a red-ball match was played between the teams in Melbourne.
Can India and Pakistan play a Test at MCG?
The last time India and Pakistan faced each other in a red-ball series was when India hosted Pakistan for three matches in the winter of 2007.
Anil Kumble led India to a 1-0 win in the series, in which two matches ended in a draw as the Indians clinched the series with a 6-wicket win at Delhi.
On being asked about a potential India vs Pakistan Test at MCG someday at Willow Talk Podcast, the former Pakistan coach felt it could be a possibility in future and expressed his desire to see the high-intensity clash.
"Without a doubt, I think it would be an amazing Test match. I think both teams would absolutely love to play — if you put all the politics aside, players just want to play against the best. India v Pakistan would be a massive ratings winner even if it was played in Australia that's for sure," felt Gillespie.
"Both Indian and Pakistan fans would come out in force — you get a lot of Australian cricket fans come out and watch that game because that would be an amazing atmosphere. Maybe, one day it might happen.
So far, since their independence, India and Pakistan have played each other in 59 Test matches -- India has won 9, while Pakistan have 12 wins. 38 matches in the rivalry have ended in a draw.
Considering the animosity among the cricket boards and cross-border tensions, it is highly unlikely that the two countries resume their Test or any bilateral relations in the near future; however, they will continue to meet in the World Cups and the Asia Cups.
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