New Delhi: Amid rising geopolitical tensions following the recent military confrontation between India and Pakistan, the future of cricketing contests between the two nations is once again under scrutiny. A key topic of discussion at the upcoming ICC Annual Conference in Singapore, scheduled for July 17-20, will be the potential reshaping of India-Pakistan matchups in global tournaments.
Traditionally, India and Pakistan have only faced each other in multi-nation tournaments under the ICC umbrella, as bilateral series between the arch-rivals remain off the table due to political tensions. However, the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22, which claimed the lives of 26 tourists, has cast a fresh shadow over cricketing ties, with India holding Pakistan responsible for the incident.
According to a senior BCCI official, while a complete separation of the two teams in ICC knockout stages is unlikely, drawing them into separate groups at future tournaments could be seriously considered. “The issue is bound to come up for discussion at the annual conference. While the prospect of India and Pakistan not playing in ICC knockouts is unlikely, not placing them in the same group, which has become a norm, is a possibility,” the BCCI source told PTI.
Over the last decade, India and Pakistan have frequently been drawn in the same group in ICC events, making for high-profile encounters that generate massive global viewership. However, security concerns and strained diplomatic relations may now prompt the ICC to reconsider its tournament structures.
Adding weight to the discussion is the fact that BCCI Secretary Jay Shah, who took over as ICC Chair in December, will be attending the conference for the first time in his new capacity. With India being the most influential voice in global cricket administration, any shift in ICC policy is likely to reflect the BCCI’s stance.
The BCCI has consistently maintained that its decisions on playing Pakistan align with the directives of the Indian government—a position unlikely to change in the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack, which has further strained bilateral relations.
Earlier this year, a hybrid model for Indo-Pak matches at ICC tournaments through 2027 had been agreed upon by the ICC, BCCI, and PCB. However, the recent developments could test the durability of that agreement, starting with the 2025 Women’s World Cup, which is scheduled to be held in India later this year.
With the next men’s T20 World Cup, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, on the horizon, all eyes will be on how the ICC navigates the political sensitivities and ensures the safe and smooth conduct of one of the sport’s most iconic rivalries.
