IND vs PAK conflict could force future World Cup, Champions Trophy out of India: Report

Due to the ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan, ICC is mulling the option of shifting the future global tournaments out of India, Australia’s The Age reported on Monday, February 16. According to the paper, the ICC is considering moving the 2029 Champions Trophy and the 2031 ODI World Cup out of India to avoid logistical complications arising from India and Pakistan’s refusal to play in each other’s countries.

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The Age reported that Australia — which previously hosted the ODI World Cup in 2015 and the T20 World Cup in 2022 — has emerged as the frontrunner to stage the events if the shift materialises.

India and Pakistan had earlier struck a deal with the ICC agreeing not to play in each other’s countries during global tournaments. The decision was reached after India refused to travel to Pakistan for the 2025 Champions Trophy. As things stand, it is looking likely that the arrangement, which was earlier made till 2027, could be extended to future tournaments as well.

It is also worth noting that the ICC meetings come shortly after Bangladesh refused to travel to India for the 2026 T20 World Cup. With the ICC unwilling to shift Bangladesh’s matches to Sri Lanka, the nation was forced to withdraw from the tournament.

As things stand, India will not play in Pakistan and Pakistan will not play in India. Bangladesh have also refused to travel to India, and it remains unclear whether India will tour Bangladesh for future bilateral series.

In the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack, matters have become even more sensitive between India and Pakistan. The Indian team refused to shake hands with Pakistan stars in the Asia Cup 2025, and now in the T20 World Cup. This added a layer of disharmony in the cricket world, with many criticising Indian players for their position.

The Age further reported that the ongoing issues between India, Bangladesh and Pakistan have triggered wider contingency discussions among cricket administrators. The ICC is believed to be preparing backup plans for major global events if the Asian countries continue to remain at loggerheads.

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