BCCI and the Future of India-Pakistan Matchups in Global Cricket Events.

In the wake of the Pahalgam attacks, rumors have swirled that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has approached the International Cricket Council (ICC), requesting that India and Pakistan not be placed in the same group in future global cricket events. However, as is often the case with such sensitive issues, what’s being discussed is often a mix of truth and speculation.

BCCI's Official Statement

BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla has publicly clarified that the Board will adhere to the government’s advice regarding this matter. A senior BCCI official, speaking to Cricbuzz, also mentioned that this request has not been communicated to him, and he is unaware of any such developments. While the BCCI is undoubtedly mindful of the prevailing national sentiment, there has been no official confirmation regarding any request for changes to the tournament groupings.

Upcoming ICC Events and Groupings

There are no imminent ICC events on the horizon, with the next major one being the Women's ODI World Cup, scheduled for September-October 2025 in India. Pakistan has already qualified for the tournament, which will follow a round-robin format, meaning there will be no traditional groupings. Additionally, Pakistan’s matches are expected to take place at a neutral venue, which will be decided by the BCCI. The eight teams in the tournament include Australia, England, New Zealand, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan.

The Men’s Asia Cup: Neutral Venue and Groupings

Before the Women's ODI World Cup, the men's Asia Cup will take place in September 2025, with the BCCI serving as the designated host. However, it has already been confirmed that the tournament will be held in a neutral country, with Dubai and Sri Lanka being the primary candidates for the venue. While the choice of the venue is important, the real focus lies in the groupings and potential India-Pakistan encounters.

The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has sold the media rights for the Asia Cup for $170 million over four editions, based on the understanding that at least two India-Pakistan matchups will occur during each tournament, with the possibility of a third encounter if the teams meet in the final. As the deal is more lucrative in the middle editions, the 2025 edition could fetch around $38 million, lower than the average value of $42.5 million.

India and Pakistan’s Rivalry in the Asia Cup

In the 2023 Asia Cup, held in a hybrid format, India and Pakistan were placed in the same group, facing off twice—once in the league stage and again in the Super Four. Unfortunately, the second encounter was washed out due to rain, and Pakistan failed to make it to the final. India went on to win the tournament, defeating Sri Lanka in the final.

The Final Decision on Groupings

Although the venue for the upcoming Asia Cup has yet to be confirmed, the draw was initially set to take place in May 2025. However, given the time still available, this could be delayed. Ultimately, the tournament’s groupings will depend on the geopolitical situation between India and Pakistan. Any final decision is likely to hinge on whether tensions rise or de-escalate in the lead-up to the event.

As the situation continues to evolve, both cricket fans and officials alike will be eagerly watching for any updates from the BCCI and the ACC. Whether or not the India-Pakistan encounters become more frequent or the format changes entirely, one thing is for sure: anticipation for these high-stakes matches will remain sky-high.

The Bigger Picture

The ongoing speculation surrounding India and Pakistan in cricket highlights how sports are often intertwined with broader political issues. Whether or not these two cricketing giants meet in future tournaments, one thing remains certain: their rivalry will continue to captivate audiences around the world, regardless of the circumstances surrounding the matches.