It looks like there may still be an India vs Pakistan game in ICC tournaments. While India and Pakistan haven’t played a bilateral series in years, they have continued to face each other in events like the Asia Cup and ICC tournaments. However, following the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam and subsequent military action under Operation Sindoor, tensions between the two countries have escalated. This has raised serious concerns about the future of cricketing ties, with reports suggesting that India may withdraw from the Asia Cup, and that the two nations may no longer be placed in the same group for ICC events. The matter is expected to be discussed during the ICC Annual Conference in Singapore from July 17 to 20.
According to a PTI report citing a BCCI source, the possibility of India and Pakistan meeting even in ICC knockout matches is becoming increasingly unlikely. While both teams are usually placed in the same group in global tournaments, there may be a deliberate move to keep them apart going forward. If the proposal is approved, it could effectively mark the end of India-Pakistan matches, as India already does not participate in bilateral series with Pakistan. The last time India toured Pakistan was in 2008, and since then, political tensions have resulted in their matches being held at neutral venues.
