India vs Pakistan matches are among the most anticipated showdowns in the cricket world. But the future of these high-stakes encounters could look very different if the BCCI gets its way.
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Following heightened tensions between the two nations because of the Pahalgam terror attack-- reports have suggested that the BCCI has approached the ICC with a request to avoid placing India and Pakistan in the same group in future global tournaments.
Conflicting signals from BCCI
Until now, it’s only a speculation, BCCI hasn’t made any official request so far. BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla recently said that the Board will act according to the Indian government’s advice on any decisions related to bilateral or multi-team tournaments involving Pakistan.
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Meanwhile, a senior BCCI official told Cricbuzz that he wasn’t aware of any formal communication to the ICC on this matter, calling it "news to him."
When will India and Pakistan face off next in an ICC event?
The next ICC tournament -- the Women’s ODI World Cup in September-October -- won’t involve groupings at all. The eight-team event will follow a round-robin format where all teams play each other.
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Pakistan have qualified and their matches are expected to be held at a neutral venue, yet to be finalised.
Can broadcaster pressure keep India and Pakistan in the same Asia Cup group?
Before the Women’s World Cup, the men’s Asia Cup is scheduled -- with India as the official host. It’s already confirmed that the tournament will be held in a neutral venue -- likely Dubai or Sri Lanka.
The grouping for the event remains undecided. What complicates matters is the Asia Cup’s media rights deal -- reportedly worth $170 million across four editions.
The deal banks heavily on India-Pakistan matchups, with broadcasters expecting at least two meetings per tournament. In the 2023 Asia Cup, both teams were grouped together.
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While no final decision has been made for future ICC tournaments, much will depend on how the political situation evolves in the coming months.