BCCI Holds Back: No Push to Keep India and Pakistan Apart at ICC Stage

BCCI Rising Tensions After the Pahalgam Attack

Another round of tension between India and Pakistan has erupted again after the unfortunate terrorist attack on tourists at Pahalgam where lives of at least 26 people were taken. India has responded by suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, revoking the visas of Pakistani nationals and ordering them out of the country. Against this backdrop,
there have been rumors swirling in the cricketing world about the Board of Control for Cricket in India supposedly pushing for the separation of India and Pakistan in all major cricketing tournaments.

No Bilateral Series, But They’re Playing ICC Events

India hasn’t played a bilateral series against Pakistan since the 2012-13 season and BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla made it clear that this will not change. Shukla condemned the act of violence that had taken place and in answer to a question about resuming bilateral cricket relationships with Pakistan stated that these would not be
resumed; however, in ICC events, he stated India are obligated to play Pakistan as per their tournament commitments.

Rumors About Group Separation Are False

News spread fast across social websites and the outlets about BCCI’s request to ICC for some sort of separation between India and Pakistan in future tournaments. A senior BCCI official has clearly said that no such request has been made. As of now, any request to the ICC pertaining to group placements has not been undertaken by the
BCCI.

No Immediate ICC Event Requiring Group Stage Format

Mostly, the BCCI has stayed quiet on taking any action because there has not been a pressing ICC tournament where tension would arise by forming groups. The next big ICC tournament is the Women’s World Cup in 2025, where there will be no group formations, as all teams will play against each other throughout. The earlier agreement under the hybrid mode places Pakistan at neutral venues where they play their matches.

Eyes on the Asia Cup 2025 T20

The next exciting match between India and Pakistan could happen at the Asia Cup T20 in September 2025, where, there’s a good chance they could play more than once if both teams make it to the later rounds. Apart from the strong interest, whatever the BCCI and Asian Cricket Council decide to do now will be watched very losely,especially with the political situation becoming more tense.