The cricket world has been deprived of the fierce rivalry between India and Pakistan because of diplomatic tensions between the two countries.

India haven't played Pakistan in bilateral cricket since a home limited-overs series in 2012, with their last meeting in Tests dating back to 2007. In this period, they've only clashed in multi-nation tournaments such as the World Cup and the Asia Cup.

Considering the political relationship between the two countries, an India versus Pakistan bilateral series does not look anywhere close to the horizon.

However, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Zaka Ashraf gave an interesting statement during a media interaction on Wednesday (January 10).

"As far as India-Pakistan series are concerned, both the boards are ready to play one another as long as there is government clearance,” Zaka Ashraf was quoted as saying by pcb.com.pk.

While there has been no reaction from the BCCI after this statement, Union Sports Minster Anurag Thakur reiterated last year that there won’t be any bilateral cricket with Pakistan till they stop cross-border terrorism and infiltration in India.

"BCCI had decided much earlier that we would not play bilateral matches with Pakistan until they put an end to terrorism, cross-border attacks and infiltration. I think the sentiments of the country and of the public are also the same," Thakur had said while speaking to reporters.

India last played Pakistan in an ODI match at the World Cup 2023 in Ahmedabad and won the match by seven wickets. The arch-rivals are now due to square off in the T20 World Cup 2024 in New York on June 9.