The future of cricket matches between India and Pakistan is likely to be a significant topic of discussion at the International Cricket Council (ICC) annual conference, scheduled for July 17-20, 2025, in Singapore.
ICC Meeting: The ICC's annual conference, taking place in Singapore from July 17th to 20th, is expected to feature crucial discussions regarding India-Pakistan cricket relations. Currently, bilateral cricket series between the two nations are non-existent, with matches only occurring in multilateral ICC tournaments or events like the Asia Cup. Recent military tensions have fueled speculation about the future of matches between the two countries.
Consequently, the India-Pakistan match in the upcoming T20 World Cup, jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka in 2025, will be closely watched. This conference may determine the feasibility of future matches between these cricketing powerhouses in ICC tournaments.
Potential Agreement on a Hybrid Model
The ICC announced in December 2024 that matches between India and Pakistan in ICC tournaments hosted by either nation between 2024 and 2027 would be played at neutral venues. This decision applies to the 2025 Champions Trophy (Pakistan), the 2025 Women's ODI World Cup (India), and the 2026 Men's T20 World Cup (co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka).
Under this hybrid model, all of India's matches in the 2025 Champions Trophy would be played in Dubai, while Pakistan would host its home matches. If India reaches the final, it too would be held in Dubai; otherwise, it would be played in Pakistan.
India's Potential Withdrawal from ACC Tournaments
In May 2025, media reports claimed that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had decided to withdraw from all upcoming Asian Cricket Council (ACC) tournaments, including the 2025 Asia Cup. However, BCCI secretary Devjit Saikia refuted these reports, stating that no such decision had been made.
The upcoming ICC conference will discuss the hosting of matches between India and Pakistan, addressing security concerns and political tensions to ensure the continuation of cricket. Key agenda items will include adopting the hybrid model as a permanent solution, safeguarding broadcasting rights, and fostering communication between the two nations' cricket boards.
