The ICC is reportedly considering the option of shifting future global competitions out of India due to the ongoing geopolitical tensions between India and Pakistan.
Bilateral relations between the two neighbors are currently at their lowest level. Relations deteriorated further after the Pahalgam terror attack last year and the subsequent military action. The Indian team refused to shake hands with Pakistan players in the 2025 Asia Cup and has maintained the same stance in the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup.
Even though Pakistan toured India for the World Cup in 2023, India refused to do so for the Champions Trophy last year. As a result, ICC had to choose UAE as the neutral venue for India’s games.
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India and Pakistan agree not to play in each other’s country:
A few months ago, the BCCI and PCB also reached an agreement with the ICC to not play in each other’s countries during global tournaments. While India has not toured Pakistan since 2008, the latter toured India for bilateral series in 2012–13 as well as for ICC tournaments in 2016 and 2023. However, the PCB has also decided not to tour India in the near future.
The situation has become more complicated for the ICC when Bangladesh has also refused to tour India for the ongoing T20 World Cup, citing security reasons. Although Bangladesh wanted to play their games in Sri Lanka, the ICC rejected their request and ultimately gave their place to Scotland. As of now, it is not clear whether India will tour Bangladesh for future bilateral series or not.
ICC tournaments will be shifted out of India:
According to Australian news outlet The Age, the ICC is considering the option of moving its future tournaments out of India due to the current geopolitical tensions in the subcontinent.
India has the rights to host the 2029 Champions Trophy and 2031 ODI World Cup. However, both the major events could be shifted out of India as the ICC is keen to avoid logistical complications. The news outlet further reported that Australia has emerged as the frontrunner to host both competitions.
India beats Pakistan:
Meanwhile, India continued its winning streak in the T20 World Cup by defeating Pakistan by 61 runs on Sunday (February 15). On a tough pitch in Colombo, India comprehensively defeated Pakistan to register their third win in as many matches and book their place in the Super 8.
Batting first, the Men in Blue scored a challenging 175/7 in the allotted 20 overs thanks to a explosive inning of 77 runs by Ishan Kishan. In reply, Pakistan team was all out for just 114 runs.
