MCG interested in hosting India-Pakistan Test match

India and Pakistan have not played a Test match against one another since 2007 and have not contested a bilateral series since 2013

Melbourne Cricket Club, who manage the MCG, are interested in hosting a Test match between India and Pakistan, according to chief executive, Stuart Fox.

Speaking on SEN radio during the second Test between Australia and South Africa, Fox said the club and the Victoria government have made enquiries to Cricket Australia about hosting such an event.

The 2022 T20 World Cup clash between India and Pakistan at the MCG attracted over 90,000 people.

India and Pakistan have not played a Test match against one another since 2007 while their most recent bilateral series in any format came in 2013.

^{Over 90,000 fans watched India versus Pakistan at the MCG during the 2022 T20 World Cup [Quinn Rooney/Getty Images]}

The two boards are currently at loggerheads over Pakistan being named as hosts of the 2023 Asia Cup, with BCCI secretary Jay Shah stating India will not take part unless the venue is changed.

"Three [Tests] in a row would be lovely at the MCG. You'd fill it every time. We have asked," Fox said. "We've taken that up with Cricket Australia. I know the [Victoria] government has as well. It's enormously complicated amongst a really busy schedule – that's probably the greater challenge.

"Wouldn't it be great that it wasn't just Australia-centric and Victoria-centric, that we're catering for all the countries and filling the stadium all the time.

"Hopefully, Cricket Australia keep taking it up with the ICC and keep pushing for it. When you do see some of the stadiums around the world unoccupied, I think it would be much better to have a full house and that atmosphere and celebrating the game with full houses."

Reflecting on the T20 clash between India and Pakistan in October, he added: "I've never seen anything like it at the MCG, that India-Pakistan game was something else. The atmosphere, I've never felt it like that. The noise after every ball was just phenomenal and the families and children and everyone enjoying it.

"I think if we can be more inclusive and make sure that we cater for all cultures, we've got to tap into that Pakistan community next year. We want them here and that would be fantastic to have a full house day one."

^{Virat Kohli celebrates India's win over Pakistan at the MCG [Quinn Rooney/Getty Images]}

A Cricket Australia spokesperson confirmed to ESPNcricinfo that Australia would be interested in serving as a neutral venue for such a series.

Earlier in the year, then-PCB chair, Ramiz Raja, spoke of his desire to see more matches between the two countries, telling The Cricketer: "This is the ultimate contest: India versus Pakistan. The world stops.

"It's a great contest because of the political needle; if you take that out it becomes like any other contest. Good there is a bit of politics but that shouldn't stop us playing. You ask any broadcaster and they say, 'Please have more India-Pakistan matches'.

"Look at how we're short-changing the fans. You get a glimpse of India-Pakistan at a World Cup event. Why not try and make it an annual event?"