MELBOURNE, 3 July, 2024: Cricket Australia’s (CA) CEO, Nick Hockley, has hinted a potential groundbreaking tri-series involving cricketing giants India and Pakistan. Talking to media-persons today in an exclusive online press conference, Hockley expressed the excitement and anticipation surrounding matches between these traditional rivals.
“Pakistan and India are traditional rival teams; there is a lot of excitement for their matches,” Hockley said.
While no formal discussions have been initiated, Hockley emphasised we will be happy to facilitate Cricket Australia’s openness to facilitating such events.
“To the extent that we’d be able to facilitate or help in that, we’d be very open to do so, However, the final decision rests with the respective cricket boards of India and Pakistan, ” he said.
He added, “If we can facilitate resumption of Cricket ties between India and Pakistan we will be happy to facilitate.”
Ambassadors Program
Answering to a question by South Asia Times (SAT), Nick Hockley said, Cricket Australia’s Multicultural Action Plan has received overwhelming support from diverse ambassadors, including prominent figures from sports, media, and business. Nick Hockley highlighted the enthusiastic response from the 57 multicultural ambassadors, who have shown a deep passion for the game and its positive impact on communities.
“The main thing is that each of the ambassadors have a very deep passion for the game, but more importantly, they have a deep passion for the positive impact that cricket can have,” Hockley remarked.
The initiative, which began during the T20 World Cup in 2020, aims to inspire young people to take up the sport and build stronger community connections. Hockley indicated that there are plans to expand the program, with opportunities for new ambassadors to join in the coming years.
Afghan Women’s Team
Nick Hockley said the ICC has to decide about the participation of the Afghan cricket team in international cricket. “We would love to see the resumption of Cricket for Afghan women and a dialogue is open for that.”
“Cricket Australia wants the Afghanistan women’s team, but will have to consult with the Australian Government”, he said.
