The future of the high-stakes India-Pakistan cricket rivalry at ICC events is expected to be a major topic at the upcoming ICC Annual Conference, scheduled to be held in Singapore from July 17 to 20.

India and Pakistan, two of cricket’s most-followed teams, currently face each other only in multi-nation tournaments due to ongoing political tensions. However, recent military conflict between the two nations has intensified speculation over the fate of their encounters in future ICC competitions — starting with the ICC T20 World Cup in 2026, which will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.

According to a senior BCCI official quoted by PTI, while it is unlikely that India and Pakistan will stop facing each other in ICC knockout stages, one proposal being considered is not placing them in the same group during the initial rounds — a move that would deviate from recent ICC practices.

“The issue is bound to come up for discussion at the annual conference,” the official noted. “While the prospect of India and Pakistan not playing each other in knockouts is unlikely, avoiding them in the same group from the outset is a possibility.”

The India-Pakistan rivalry is one of the most watched fixtures in international cricket, often drawing record-breaking global viewership. Any decisions taken at the conference could have significant implications for fans, broadcasters, and tournament dynamics alike.

Further clarity is expected following the ICC’s deliberations in July.

Future of Indo-Pak Cricket at ICC Events Likely to Dominate Annual Conference

The future of the high-stakes India-Pakistan cricket rivalry at ICC events is expected to be a major topic at the upcoming ICC Annual Conference, scheduled to be held in Singapore from July 17 to 20.

India and Pakistan, two of cricket’s most-followed teams, currently face each other only in multi-nation tournaments due to ongoing political tensions. However, recent military conflict between the two nations has intensified speculation over the fate of their encounters in future ICC competitions — starting with the ICC T20 World Cup in 2026, which will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.

According to a senior BCCI official quoted by PTI, while it is unlikely that India and Pakistan will stop facing each other in ICC knockout stages, one proposal being considered is not placing them in the same group during the initial rounds — a move that would deviate from recent ICC practices.

“The issue is bound to come up for discussion at the annual conference,” the official noted. “While the prospect of India and Pakistan not playing each other in knockouts is unlikely, avoiding them in the same group from the outset is a possibility.”

The India-Pakistan rivalry is one of the most watched fixtures in international cricket, often drawing record-breaking global viewership. Any decisions taken at the conference could have significant implications for fans, broadcasters, and tournament dynamics alike.

Further clarity is expected following the ICC’s deliberations in July.