KARACHI (Kahmir English): Arch-rivals India and Pakistan may not play early matches of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup next year against each other as they would be slotted in separate groups, Indian media has reported.
The two neighbours but political and cricketing rivals don’t play bilateral cricket but only face each other in International Cricket Council (ICC) events or Asia Cup, due to the strained political relationship.
According to a report in India media, the two teams are unlikely to be clubbed together in the men’s mega event next year following their recent conflict.
“The issue is bound to come up for discussion at the annual conference. While prospect of India and Pakistan not playing in ICC knockouts is unlikely, not drawing them in the same group, which has been the norm at ICC events, is a possibility,” a BCCI source told an Indian news agency.
But the final decision will be taken during ICC’s annual conference, scheduled to take place in Singapore from 17-20 July.
The conference is likely to be attended by ICC chairman Jay Shah, former secretary Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). It will be his first annual meeting since assuming the role in December last year.
Notably, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and BCCI have been at odd in the past, with the most recent dispute being India’s refusal to send their team to Pakistan for the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy, held earlier this year.
The BCCI’s refusal drew a stern reaction from the Pakistani authorities before a fusion formula was proposed, which states that both arch-rivals will not visit each other for an ICC event for the next three years and will instead play their matches at a neutral venue.
T20 World Cup
Defending champions India and Sri Lanka will jointly host the next year’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup which will be the tenth edition of the tournament. The tournament will be played from 8 February to 8 March 2026.
