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India.com
23-05-2025
- Sport
- India.com
T20 World Cup 2026: India And Pakistan Likely To Be Kept In Separate Groups Amid Rising Tensions – ICC To Decide In July Meet
In what could mark a seismic shift in global cricket scheduling, the International Cricket Council (ICC) is reportedly considering placing India and Pakistan in separate groups for the T20 World Cup 2026. According to a PTI report, this significant development is expected to be a key topic at the ICC's annual conference in Singapore from July 17 to 20. Traditionally, the fierce India vs Pakistan rivalry has been a marquee fixture in the group stages of ICC tournaments, drawing record-breaking viewership. However, escalating geopolitical tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours—triggered by recent military escalations and the Pahalgam terror attack—could force the ICC to abandon the longstanding practice. A senior BCCI source, speaking to PTI, confirmed that the matter of not placing India and Pakistan in the same group will be discussed at the upcoming ICC conference. 'The issue is bound to come up. While the prospect of India and Pakistan not playing at all in an ICC tournament is unlikely, a group-stage clash may be avoided,' the source said. This comes amid strained diplomatic ties between the nations following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 lives and led to Operation Sindoor—a retaliatory strike by the Indian Army on terror camps in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. While the ceasefire agreement remains officially intact, New Delhi has continued its diplomatic disengagement, which has now visibly seeped into the realm of international sports. T20 World Cup 2026: Tournament Overview and Geo-Political Undercurrents Scheduled to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, the 2026 ICC Men's T20 World Cup is expected to feature a star-studded lineup of 20 teams. Defending champions India are expected to be among the frontrunners. However, the absence of a guaranteed India vs Pakistan clash in the group stage could alter fan dynamics and commercial interests surrounding the tournament. The last few ICC events ensured the two cricketing giants were drawn in the same group, often resulting in sold-out stadiums, soaring TRPs, and social media frenzy. That tradition now appears set for a political override. Asia Cup 2025 Also in Jeopardy The uncertainty isn't limited to the T20 World Cup. The Asia Cup 2025, slated for September, also faces a potential roadblock. According to reports, the BCCI is considering a complete withdrawal from the tournament. 'We haven't given much thought to the Asia Cup 2025 as of now. Our focus is on IPL 2025 and the upcoming India vs England series,' a BCCI official clarified, attempting to downplay the growing speculation. However, insiders suggest that without India's participation, the Asia Cup's commercial viability and viewership appeal could plummet, possibly leading to its cancellation. Jay Shah's First ICC Meet as Chairman Holds Weight The July conference also gains historic significance as Jay Shah, the new ICC Chairman and BCCI Secretary, will preside over his first major policy-making meeting. Given India's dominant influence in world cricket—both in terms of financial clout and broadcasting reach—the decisions taken in Singapore could have long-term ramifications for Indo-Pak cricket ties and the future of high-voltage encounters on the world stage. Cricket Amid Conflict: What Lies Ahead? Cricket has long served as a rare bridge between India and Pakistan, offering a momentary truce on the field even when political relations are strained. Yet, as recent developments show, even this fragile bridge is vulnerable. While fans across the subcontinent and the cricketing world yearn for more India-Pakistan matches, the harsh realities of geopolitics seem poised to dictate the script. Whether or not Virat Kohli and Babar Azam cross paths in the group stages of the T20 World Cup 2026 now rests with the ICC—and, indirectly, the Indian government's diplomatic stance.
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First Post
22-05-2025
- Politics
- First Post
BCCI could push for new measure to corner Pakistan cricket team: Source
While the BCCI has denied that it has decided to boycott the Asia Cup 2025, the Indian cricket board could still push for a stern measure to corner the Pakistan cricket team. read more India and Pakistan in different groups at ICC events could soon become a possibility. Image: Reuters The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has denied reports that it was planning to boycott the Asia Cup T20 2025 with the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) now headed by Pakistan Interior Minister and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi, however, they may still take some strong steps to corner the Pakistan cricket team in international cricket in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack. The Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir and the subsequent successful Operation Sindoor by India, in which it destroyed multiple terror campsites, has led to the worsening of the relationship between India and Pakistan. The BCCI has been urged by fans and experts to boycott the Pakistan cricket team in international events. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD India have not played a bilateral against Pakistan since 2012-13 and only compete against their neighbours in ACC and International Cricket Council (ICC) events like World Cups. A major newspaper in India reported a few days back that BCCI has informed ACC that it will not take part in the Women's Emerging Teams Asia Cup and Men's Asia Cup as the Asian body is headed by a Pakistani minister . This report was refuted by BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia , but a source from the Indian cricket board says that India may still push for the Men in Blue to be placed in a separate group as compared to Pakistan in future ICC tournaments. No India and Pakistan in same group at ICC events? The BCCI efforts may take place at the ICC Annual Conference , which is set to take place in Singapore from 17 to 20 July. The BCCI source added that the India-Pakistan issue is set to dominate the proceedings at the conference, which will be the first one under the new chairman, Jay Shah. '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 Indian news agency PTI. Indian and Pakistan cricket teams have always been drawn in the same group in ICC events over the last decade to ensure at least one match between the rivals, which is the biggest money spinner for the broadcasters. The income of broadcasters would take a hit if BCCI manages to agree ICC for a separate group. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD It would also lead to financial losses to the ICC and e ventually to the PCB as well . Also, remember that India and Pakistan have already agreed to a hybrid model for ICC tournaments in either nation until 2027. As per this agreement, India played their matches in Dubai during the Champions Trophy 2025, which was hosted by Pakistan.
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First Post
20-05-2025
- Sport
- First Post
How many times Asia Cup has been impacted due to India-Pakistan tensions?
India-Pakistan tensions have once again cast a shadow over the Asia Cup 2025. Here's a look at all the times the tournament was cancelled, shifted or boycotted due to political conflicts between the two nations. read more Tensions between India and Pakistan have once again brought doubt over the future of the Asia Cup. A report this week claimed that the BCCI has decided to pull out of all Asian Cricket Council (ACC) tournaments, including the Asia Cup 2025. This comes after India and Pakistan were involved in a military conflict following New Delhi's response to the Pahalgam terror attack with Operation Sindoor. Although the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Devajit Saikia later clarified that no such discussion has officially happened yet, the rumour has already started raising questions about India's participation in the Men's Asia Cup and Women's Emerging Asia Cup. This is not the first time that India-Pakistan tensions have impacted the tournament. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Here's a look at all the times the ACC Asia Cup was either cancelled, shifted or boycotted due to strained ties between India and Pakistan. 1990–91 Asia Cup: Pakistan pulled out The 1990-91 Asia Cup tournament was held in India but Pakistan chose not to participate because of political tensions between the two nations. India went on to win the tournament after beating Sri Lanka in the final. More from First Cricket Future of India-Pakistan cricketing relations expected to dominate Jay Shah's first ICC Annual Conference as Chairman 1993 Asia Cup: Cancelled altogether This 1993 edition of the Asia Cup was fully cancelled due to worsening relations between India and Pakistan. It is the only time when the Asia Cup was cancelled due to India-Pakistan tensions. 2018 Asia Cup: Moved from India to UAE The 2018 Asia Cup was originally planned to be held in India. But due to political issues with Pakistan, it was shifted to the UAE. India remained the host officially, but all matches were played in neutral venues. India won the title that year too. 2023 Asia Cup: Played in hybrid model Pakistan was awarded hosting rights of the 2023 Asia Cup but India refused to travel to the country. After many rounds of talks, a hybrid model was agreed upon. India played all their matches in Sri Lanka while Pakistan hosted a few games. India once again went on to win the title. 2025 Asia Cup: Doubt over India's participation Now in 2025, tensions have resurfaced, and a report suggests the BCCI has informed the ACC about their unwillingness to participate in ACC tournaments under the current chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, who is also a Pakistan government minister. The BCCI has reportedly pulled out of the Women's Emerging Teams Asia Cup next month as well. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Although BCCI has denied any final decision and the ACC has also not confirmed anything, fans are concerned if the tournament will be impacted once again.
Time of India
19-05-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Has Asia Cup been cancelled before amid reports of India pull-out?
India beat Sri Lanka in the 2023 edition of the competition (Image via X/@ImRo45) NEW DELHI: Amid tensions between India and Pakistan, the Board of Control for Cricket in India has reportedly communicated its decision to withhold the Indian squad from participating or hosting the Asia Cup. This means that the Men's squad will neither participate nor host the Asia Cup 2025, and the Women's team will play no part in the Women's Emerging Teams Asia Cup. While India and Sri Lanka were to co-host the Men's competition, Sri Lanka alone is the venue for the Women's Cup. The BCCI's decision not to participate in the Asia Cup extends to the resolve of not participating in any Asian Cricket Council (ACC) events in the immediate future. The ACC chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, is the interior minister for Pakistan and also heads the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). According to the same reports, BCCI's decision, therefore, is to isolate Pakistan from major tournaments amid the current situation between the two countries. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! Has the Asian Cup ever been cancelled before? India's decision to not participate in the competition significantly impacts the feasibility of the upcoming tournament for a number of reasons. To begin with, a majority of sponsors for International cricket events are from India, and the country not participating in the same will dissuade sponsors as well. Shane Watson on Phil Hughes: 'It Took the Innocence of the Game Away Moreover, broadcast rights for the tournament purchased by Sony Pictures Network India (SPNI) for over 451 crores will have to be reworked. Therefore, the tournament is most likely to be put on the waiting list as per several reports. Poll What do you think will be the impact of India's withdrawal on the Asia Cup? It will dissuade sponsors It will continue with fewer teams It will lead to cancellation So, has the competition ever been cancelled before? 1993 : Similar to the situation in 2025, the Asia Cup did not take place in 1993 when political relations were tense between the two countries. 2020 : In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the competition was originally set to be hosted in Pakistan, owing to health risks and concerns.
Mint
19-05-2025
- Sport
- Mint
BCCI denies reports of Asia Cup exit; secretary Devajit Saikia says, ‘prime focus is on IPL 2025, India's England tour'
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has rubbished reports of withdrawal from the Asia Cup later this year in the aftermath of the recent India-Pakistan tensions. On Monday, an Indian Express report stated that the BCCI has decided to stay away from all the Asia Cricket Council (ACC) events. The report also stated that the BCCI has written to the ACC about its decision to withdraw from the men's Asia Cup in September as well as the women's Emerging Teams Asia Cup in next month to be hosted by Sri Lanka. After Jay Shah's resignation, the ACC is currently headed by Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Mohsin Naqvi. Reacting to the reports of BCCI's withdrawal from ACC events, secretary Devajit Saikia denied all reports. 'Since this morning, it has come to our notice about some news reports that the BCCI has decided not to participate in the Asia Cup and the Women's Emerging Teams Asia Cup, both of which are ACC events. Such news are devoid of any truth as till now,' Saikia told ANI. 'BCCI has not even discussed or taken any such steps regarding the ensuing ACC events, let alone writing anything to the ACC. At this stage, our prime focus is on the ongoing IPL and subsequent England series, both men's and women's,' he added. Defending champions and the most successful team in the tournament, India are scheduled to host the tournament in this year. Besides host India, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Oman and United Arab Emirates are the qualified teams. Even if India goes on to host the Asia Cup, Pakistan won't be travelling to India. Instead, Pakistan's matches will be played at a neutral venue, including the one with India. The Asia Cup 2025 is expected to be played in T20 format. In the previous edition of Asia Cup which Pakistan hosted, India refused to travel across the border. As a result, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has no other option but to host the tournament in hybrid format with Sri Lanka hosting nine games including the final. Pakistan hosted the first four games. The same format was applied earlier this year when Pakistan hosted the ICC Champions Trophy. India played all their matches in Dubai, including the final against New Zealand which the Men in Blue won after 12 years.
