After Asia Cup politics, India-Pakistan games should no longer be ‘arranged’ at ICC events, suggests Michael Atherton

[Rajdeep]

Former England captain Michael Atherton believes that fixtures at ICC events should no longer be “arranged” to make sure that India and Pakistan meet at every tournament after the animosity and controversy that erupted between the two teams at last month’s Asia Cup.

India played Pakistan thrice at the continental event, including in the final, but skipper Suryakumar Yadav decided not to shake hands with his Pakistani counterpart, Salman Agha, in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack and India’s subsequent retaliatory strikes.

That triggered a chain of politically charged events on the cricket field that included a few Pakistan players making controversial gestures in the middle of a game, and India’s refusal to take the trophy from Pakistan interior minister and cricket board chief Mohsin Naqvi. At their ODI Women’s World Cup fixture in Colombo on Sunday, skippers of both teams once again refused to shake hands.

In his column for The Times newspaper in the UK, Atherton acknowledged that there are both economic and diplomatic reasons as to why the ICC makes sure India and Pakistan play each other in international events (the two sides have played each other in the group stage at each of the 11 ICC events that have taken place since 2013).

“Despite its scarcity (maybe, in part, because of its scarcity) it is a fixture that carries huge economic clout, one of the main reasons why the broadcast rights for ICC tournaments are worth so much — roughly $3 billion for the most recent rights cycle (in) 2023-27,” he wrote. “Due to the relative decline in the value of bilateral matches, ICC events have grown in frequency and importance, and so the India and Pakistan fixture is crucial to the balance sheets of those who would not otherwise have any skin in the game.”

But the former England skipper said that after the “antics” at the Asia Cup, it is time to put an end to this “tacitly supported arrangement.”

“If cricket was once the vehicle for diplomacy, it is now, clearly, a proxy for broader tensions and for propaganda. There is little justification, in any case, for a serious sport to arrange tournament fixtures to suit its economic needs and now that the rivalry is being exploited in other ways, there is even less justification for it,” Atherton wrote.

https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/cricket/india-pakistan-asia-cup-icc-events-mike-atherton-10289650/

 

[Rajdeep]

Is Atherton correct in saying what he said or its the classic case of 'Angrez phir se ro rahe hai'?

Had Pakistan won the Asia cup, not sure if he would be still saying the same.

 

[bunda_bindaas]

Is Atherton correct in saying what he said or its the classic case of 'Angrez phir se ro rahe hai'?

Had Pakistan won the Asia cup, not sure if he would be still saying the same.

No, I think Atherton is a no-nonsense guy. And as a neutral, he's fed up with these shenanigans.

Since he has no stake in the IPL, he's unafraid to speak his mind, which is absolutely fine.

 

[jnaveen1980]

Border tension has always been there. Now it has gone to new level. They should atleast put a temporary pause on having two teams in the same group. If they end up meeting in the next round so be it. 80% of the discussion about Asia cup was non cricketing related.

 

[Rajdeep]

Border tension has always been there. Now it has gone to new level. They should atleast put a temporary pause on having two teams in the same group. If they end up meeting in the next round so be it. 80% of the discussion about Asia cup was non cricketing related.

The vibe I am getting is - Indian fans who were against playing Pakistan from the onset and were demanding for Boycott are now angry at the shenanigans of Indian players. Their POV is if you had so much problem where you wont shake hands and not collect trophy from Pak minister, why play with them in the first place? Either you do a complete boycott or if playing follow the rule of sports. Infact they are also supporting Ab Devilliers statements.

BCCI tried to act smart here but it backfired. They thought they would sneak in a tournament, make some money and no one will notice. However, realizing public sentiment in the very first captains PC, they tried to create this political drama to gain some sympathy back.

 

[Mockingbird]

I totally agree with Atherton.. enough of this drama. We shouldn’t have India Pak meet in the initial rounds in any ICC event (if they meet in a knockout that’s upto them). Too much toxicity has ruined cricket.

 

[jnaveen1980]

The vibe I am getting is - Indian fans who were against playing Pakistan from the onset and were demanding for Boycott are now angry at the shenanigans of Indian players. Their POV is if you had so much problem where you wont shake hands and not collect trophy from Pak minister, why play with them in the first place? Either you do a complete boycott or if playing follow the rule of sports. Infact they are also supporting Ab Devilliers statements.

BCCI tried to act smart here but it backfired. They thought they would sneak in a tournament, make some money and no one will notice. However, realizing public sentiment in the very first captains PC, they tried to create this political drama to gain some sympathy back.

BCCI has made it worse by extending this to woman's cricket and made it abundantly clear players are used as their puppets to make a political statement. Modi's tweet confirmed it.

 

[Red-Indian]

I totally agree with Atherton.. enough of this drama. We shouldn’t have India Pak meet in the initial rounds in any ICC event (if they meet in a knockout that’s upto them). Too much toxicity has ruined cricket.

I think most folks would be fine with this. The main question though is the TV rights impact.

I've been told by a friend who used to be in the ESPN-Star Commercial rights team that the ICC has effectively guaranteed a India-Pakistan game as part of the ICC events TV rights package. Whether it's formally in the legalese or just an informal guarantee is the question. This is a very bad time to be renegotiating the value of the TV rights because the only bidder of any consequence left is Jio.

 

[Savak]

ICC should stand up on its own feet and stop being so dependent on Indo Pak contests.

 

[Hikaru]

In agreement with Atherton here.

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

 

[Buffet]

Based on all the drama happened recently, it's best to not have Ind-Pak games.

Practically how it will it work if Ind and Pakistan qualify for finals? Yah, I know posters may say chances of Pakistan for finals is low, but it's not zero.

 

[NishanKonar]

The tv rights deal signed by ICC has a clause - there must be a India - Pakistan game

So there is no chance of this game not happening. U think ICC & cricket boards will leave millions of dollars on the table bcoz SKY & Haris Rauf decided to behave like idiots

 

[Buffet]

The tv rights deal signed by ICC has a clause - there must be a India - Pakistan game

So there is no chance of this game not happening. U think ICC & cricket boards will leave millions of dollars on the table bcoz SKY & Haris Rauf decided to behave like idiots

Well, then ICC and cricket boards should make sure that SKY, Haris Rauf or anyone else can't behave like idiots. No more just fee fine, simply ban for 10 matches.

 

[DeadlyVenom]

I don't think there are any sports fans that are in support of rigged draws to ensure fixtures, not were there many that found satisfaction at some of the events that took place in the Asia cup.

If they meet via the draw so be it but dont keep rigging tournaments so that they do.

 

[DeadlyVenom]

The tv rights deal signed by ICC has a clause - there must be a India - Pakistan game

So there is no chance of this game not happening. U think ICC & cricket boards will leave millions of dollars on the table bcoz SKY & Haris Rauf decided to behave like idiots

It will be interesting next WC.

Coz there is no way Pakistan is going to India (based on current mood on both sides).

To fulfil the Info Pak rights requirement India will have to play in Sri Lanka.

That will not be a good look for the BJP or BCCI.

As it stands they can go to Sri Lanka or convince Pakistan to visit India...but they will need to make concessions to Pakistan which also won't be popular.

This is the problem with politicising sport while using it as a cash cow. You can't ride two horses forever

 

[Rajdeep]

It will be interesting next WC.

Coz there is no way Pakistan is going to India (based on current mood on both sides).

To fulfil the Info Pak rights requirement India will have to play in Sri Lanka.

That will not be a good look for the BJP or BCCI.

As it stands they can go to Sri Lanka or convince Pakistan to visit India...but they will need to make concessions to Pakistan which also won't be popular.

This is the problem with politicising sport while using it as a cash cow. You can't ride two horses forever

Its already been decided that India will travel to SL to face Pakistan in next years WT20.

SL will also host the semi final which will feature Pakistan (if they qualify). This was always in the plan considering they are co-hosts.

Only if Pak reach finals, they have to travel Ahmedabad as BCCI cant risk of holding it in SL. What if Pak runs away with trophy again?

 

[DeadlyVenom]

Its already been decided that India will travel to SL to face Pakistan in next years WT20.

SL will also host the semi final which will feature Pakistan (if they qualify). This was always in the plan considering they are co-hosts.

Only if Pak reach finals, they have to travel Ahmedabad as BCCI cant risk of holding it in SL. What if Pak runs away with trophy again?

This was decided before the current conflict.

In the current climate it will make India look silly to travel from their home leg of the world cup, and play a non-handshake match with Pakistan.

 

[NishanKonar]

It will be interesting next WC.

Coz there is no way Pakistan is going to India (based on current mood on both sides).

To fulfil the Info Pak rights requirement India will have to play in Sri Lanka.

That will not be a good look for the BJP or BCCI.

As it stands they can go to Sri Lanka or convince Pakistan to visit India...but they will need to make concessions to Pakistan which also won't be popular.

This is the problem with politicising sport while using it as a cash cow. You can't ride two horses forever

From BCCI point of view - playing Pakistan in Sri Lanka is much better option. Imagine hosting Pakistan in India. Media & opposition with run riot. " Look BCCI is allowing terrorist nation on Indian soil ". Stadium crowd will go berserk. It will be impossible for Pakistan players to move around outside their hotel like going to restaurant

 

[NishanKonar]

Well, then ICC and cricket boards should make sure that SKY, Haris Rauf or anyone else can't behave like idiots. No more just fee fine, simply ban for 10 matches.

SKY , Haris Rauf & Mohsin Naqvi made the Asia Cup more spicy.

The 1st game was marked by boycott calls. But after that the boycott calls went out of the air. The off field controversy poured fuel in the fire. Everyone forgot the one sided nature of the contests. The final was suddenly the magnum opus - not the third one sided encounter. The TRPs for the final went thru the roof

This is WWE style kayfabe. Helps both parties. BCCI & PCB & ACC are all making money while the plebians fight on social media

 

[jnaveen1980]

This was decided before the current conflict.

In the current climate it will make India look silly to travel from their home leg of the world cup, and play a non-handshake match with Pakistan.

Once it becomes the new norm people will stop talking about it.

 

[harshjoshi87]

There should be no India-Pakistan matches after T20 World Cup 2026. Don't place them in same groups in ODI World Cup 2027.

 

[Josh]

Well said, if they happen to meet next round let it be but there shouldn't be any planned group stage match if the two teams don't meet the group organisation criterion

 

[Mockingbird]

Well, then ICC and cricket boards should make sure that SKY, Haris Rauf or anyone else can't behave like idiots. No more just fee fine, simply ban for 10 matches.

This is the way to do it… there has to be harsher consequences for the political shenanigans. If they don’t nip it in, it will only grow from here.

Having said that, I don’t see any problem with ‘no handshakes’ - that can’t be mandated in any sport. But yeah there should be a blanket ban on all sorts of political statements.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

One thing Pakistani and Indian fans can agree on.

 

[mango_bite77]

If both teams can persuade the ICC to host their matches at neutral venues in ICC tournaments, how hard can it really be to convince them not to place both sides in same groups?

The real issue is that India wants to secure revenue while also keeping the public distracted with a dose of pseudo-patriotism. Otherwise, people might take to the streets to protest against policies that aren’t exactly in their favor.

 

[zahid01]

I absolutely agree with
Atherton both pakistan and india have disgraced each other there should be no games between these two teams its fine to live in india and pakistan but we live in a diverse country its going to cause issues in the community

 

[cricketAXEpert]

Is Atherton correct in saying what he said or its the classic case of 'Angrez phir se ro rahe hai'?

Had Pakistan won the Asia cup, not sure if he would be still saying the same.

Agree with Atherton, it is turning into a circus

 

[Usman Chadda]

Not going to happen, India-Pakistan matches are the main drivers of broadcasting rights for the ICC.

I honestly want this match-up to stop happening in initial rounds, as it’s a guaranteed loss for our team nowadays. Pakistan is left with a do-or-die game in every tournament in the group stage itself, which is getting boring now to be honest.

 

[sweep_shot]

Agree with Atherton.

Cricket should remain cricket. It shouldn't become Bollywood.

 

[U$ofA]

Agree with Atherton.

Cricket should remain cricket. It shouldn't become Bollywood.

For this to not happen, the ICC needs to take a decision.

The broadcaster will/has paid a lot of $$$$ and will look to to recover it. So they currently call the shots. Not the ICC. How about the ICC take less $$ and keep control of things rather than giving away the house to the broadcaster?

The ball is in ICC's court.

 

[U$ofA]

One thing Pakistani and Indian fans can agree on.

Unfortunately, the broadcaster does not. And they are the ones call the shots.

 

[U$ofA]

This is the way to do it… there has to be harsher consequences for the political shenanigans. If they don’t nip it in, it will only grow from here.

Having said that, I don’t see any problem with ‘no handshakes’ - that can’t be mandated in any sport. But yeah there should be a blanket ban on all sorts of political statements.

If you are asking ICC to take disciplinary action, you will be waiting for ever.

 

[U$ofA]

I don't think there are any sports fans that are in support of rigged draws to ensure fixtures, not were there many that found satisfaction at some of the events that took place in the Asia cup.

If they meet via the draw so be it but dont keep rigging tournaments so that they do.

There is a rigged draw because the org that is supposedly running the tournaments has signed away a big part of control to the broadcasters due to greed/incompetency/laziness, whatever you want to call it.

 

[lucky_fish]

Atherton loves the game.

Pakistan are trying to play the game

Indians think they're better than the game.

He's spot on in his article.

We grew up hearing how sport crosses boundaries.

We grew up watching our heros model that directly - Tendulkar, David, IK, Wasim...hell even Kohli. They played for the sport and respected each other as peers. Sure there was gamesmanship but there was respect behind that. Love for the game compelled that respect.

I don't care who you are.. what team. The moment you decide to let your countries politics dictate how you behave as a sportsman then you're not worthy of respect at all. The playing group of Team India all fall into this category. If they care that much that they are willing to sell their integrity on the cricket field then surely they'd be better off leaving the sport and joining their army instead.

And this isn't an attack on India specifically. They could have been Team Timbuktoo for all I care. To not shake hands, acknowledge your opponent or collect a trophy because its being given to you by someone from a different religious background is nothing short of racism. And more people need to call it out.

Atherton knows that but he wont commit career suicide. He's far too smart. So he's just stoking the fire. Good man.

 

[giri26]

These people are crazy, when has Pakistan vs India been just about the game?It has never been and will never be. Even if players weren't displaying it on the field the sentiments were always political around the games played by these two teams. Yeah it went overboard in the Asia cup but Pakistan cannot say that they are the innocent party here. The PCB chairman being a Pakistan minister and the Prime minister being Patron of Chief having influence over the cricket board. India politicising this event was bad as it was not on in sport but cricket between these two teams has never been about the game. It was not in 50's not in 70's, 80's, 90's or in any decade. When Pakistan had the upper hand in the sport in 80's and 90's they decided when they wanted to play cricket with India. when India became the power in the 2000's they have been deciding when and where they will play with Pakistan. It has been the case with these two countries. If fans from either side think cricket between these two countries were anything other thank political ever, they probably are most naive beings on this earth.

 

[giri26]

The only reason the entire world took notice of India vs Pakistan encounters over the years is because of the political tensions between the countries. In 70's, 80's and 90's, India were so poor that the only reason these games got so many eyeballs was because of the political reason. Post 2000 when India became the superior side it has been the same. If India and Pakistan did not have the political tensions, the way Pakistan have been playing recently, no one in the world will care about an India-Pakistan game. That's the truth and even Atherton will agree that he is talking about this because of the same.

 

[jnaveen1980]

The only reason the entire world took notice of India vs Pakistan encounters over the years is because of the political tensions between the countries. In 70's, 80's and 90's, India were so poor that the only reason these games got so many eyeballs was because of the political reason. Post 2000 when India became the superior side it has been the same. If India and Pakistan did not have the political tensions, the way Pakistan have been playing recently, no one in the world will care about an India-Pakistan game. That's the truth and even Atherton will agree that he is talking about this because of the same.

I think he is talking about players. Players had only a cricketing rivalry. Gun celebration, 6-0, dedication to armed force, not shaking hands, not receiving a trophy, all these shenanigans never happened before. Shaz and Waz still get along nicely outside. But for direct instructions from BCCI players would have shaken hands. In fact, SKY did shake his hands. After backlash from social media, they tried to "correct" it and overdid it. Social media wanted the match not to be played. People who raised objections were not exactly buying this fake act by the BCCI. In all probability, higher powers forced BCCI's hand, which in turn forced the hands of players. It looked really ugly. But for these shenanigans all we would have seen is regular banter. That's it. I stopped caring about this clash long back. only wish was not to lose.

 

[chakdeindian]

I feel there is a drastic decline in the enthusiasm of watching India Pak match over the recent years esp from the Indian side..No one is seeing Pakistan as worthy opponent..except the guilt pleasure watching Pakistan losing badly but that too is getting exhausted..In the Asia Cup, they had tried to milk the viewerships out of the tension between India and Pakistan, but the crowd support was way lesser than what it used to be earlier..I don't have data but I assume there is decline in the viewership as well.. If we Indians just stop ignoring or giving attention to India Pak matches and treat the match like a match with any other associate nation teams, then this will automatically happen..

@jnaveen1980 do you have any stats on the viewerships of the recent India Pak matches..?

 

[giri26]

I think he is talking about players. Players had only a cricketing rivalry. Gun celebration, 6-0, dedication to armed force, not shaking hands, not receiving a trophy, all these shenanigans never happened before. Shaz and Waz still get along nicely outside. But for direct instructions from BCCI players would have shaken hands. In fact, SKY did shake his hands. After backlash from social media, they tried to "correct" it and overdid it. Social media wanted the match not to be played. People who raised objections were not exactly buying this fake act by the BCCI. In all probability, higher powers forced BCCI's hand, which in turn forced the hands of players. It looked really ugly. But for these shenanigans all we would have seen is regular banter. That's it. I stopped caring about this clash long back. only wish was not to lose.

That's what I meant too, in the past the players did not participate but the political undertones were always there in an India-Pakistan clash. Now that the players are doing it too, may be because of the hot head coach it seems worse. The fact of the matter is that India-Pakistan games were always political. Atherton is talking about the Govt of two countries and in turn the players carrying out some orders from above making this political but then this is not new. The Govt of the two countries have always used cricket as a vehicle to score political brownie points. Why is it that India refused to play cricket bilaterally but allowed other sports to continue bilateral relations? It has always been politics for both the sides more than cricket, the countries saw it that way and so did players. In the past the players did not show it on the field and on press conferences etc but now they are, that's the only difference. Saying that now suddenly India-Pakistan games are politicised and they need to stop playing each other is naive, even for a third party like Atherton.

 

[Mockingbird]

That's what I meant too, in the past the players did not participate but the political undertones were always there in an India-Pakistan clash. Now that the players are doing it too, may be because of the hot head coach it seems worse. The fact of the matter is that India-Pakistan games were always political. Atherton is talking about the Govt of two countries and in turn the players carrying out some orders from above making this political but then this is not new. The Govt of the two countries have always used cricket as a vehicle to score political brownie points. Why is it that India refused to play cricket bilaterally but allowed other sports to continue bilateral relations? It has always been politics for both the sides more than cricket, the countries saw it that way and so did players. In the past the players did not show it on the field and on press conferences etc but now they are, that's the only difference. Saying that now suddenly India-Pakistan games are politicised and they need to stop playing each other is naive, even for a third party like Atherton.

Agreed, the politicization was always there in Indo-Pak cricket (and infact I do think that politics and sports do & have inadvertently gotten mixed up across the pages of history) but what happened this time was beyond it - there was crassness mixed in. These guys were squabbling like kids - ‘I’ won’t shake your hand, ‘you’ will make gun salute and then blame the referee (funniest part of the whole saga), then ‘ I’ will refuse to take trophy & so ‘you will run away with it. I mean one could have always taken a stand without reducing the whole thing to a farce. Ultimately all of this cheapens the sport and disgusts the true followers of the game.

The best solution is stop playing in the initial rounds of ICC events & if that can’t work due to broadcaster obligations then atleast have serious consequences to such behaviour. Also Asia cup can be scrapped - what is the point of showing Asian solidarity when both Pak & Bangladesh are now inmical to us? We can always have bilateral or multi lateral series with other nations whom we want to promote- obviously all countries want to play us to make money.

 

[BouncerGuy]

Pakistan and india are already playing pretty less, only ACC and ICC events... I don't think we can go less than that.. Yes these countries have been a circus with all that drama but these games are a money maker, and no stakeholder would want them to stop.

 

[DeadlyVenom]

There is a rigged draw because the org that is supposedly running the tournaments has signed away a big part of control to the broadcasters due to greed/incompetency/laziness, whatever you want to call it.

We know the ICC is toothless, but why would they want to kill the goose that lays the golden egg?

I think we need to call a spade a spade and stop saying broadcasters. There is a rigged draw because Indian fans want to play Pakistan ( well they did before this recent conflict).

Ultimately the situation has been caused by Indian hypocrisy, they have an insane demand for this fixture, yet at the same time their government claims they are forced to play it and bring in reasoning like olympics hosting in the future.

The fixture is stuck between a rock and a hard place, between Indians who simultaneously want to watch and also don't want to watch. The rigged draw suits the PCB aswell. Their tier 2 team gets a bump up to tier one status for a match or two but they aren't the one complaining about it ( well at least not as much)

 

[Arajit]

There should be no India-Pakistan matches after T20 World Cup 2026. Don't place them in same groups in ODI World Cup 2027.

They cannot do that ODI World cup is round robin league

Its only possible in T20 World cup to have India Pakistan in different groups

 

[Ball Blazer]

all are making money
If Asia cup matches were cancelled, it could have been a huge loss to Sony as well

 

[Kianig89]

Who will ensure this Mr Athers, ECB and ACB are two slutts of BCCI

 

[Rana]

Who will ensure this Mr Athers, ECB and ACB are two slutts of BCCI

Yes they have tendencies like you do towards 2 players

 

[Misia]

Separate groups

 

[Nikhil_cric]

The levels to which ICC/ACC will stoop to accommodate this fixture and please the broadcasters has become ridiculous now.

Last Asia Cup, only the IND-PAK fixture was given an extra day in rainy Pallekele and the other Asian boards also went along with it.

Sell your terrestrial and digital rights at a lower price or at least keep a clause which says that an extra amount will be paid if this fixture does happen by a happy accident.

No need to rig the draws. Same for ENG v Australia

 

[Red-Indian]

The levels to which ICC/ACC will stoop to accommodate this fixture and please the broadcasters has become ridiculous now.

Last Asia Cup, only the IND-PAK fixture was given an extra day in rainy Pallekele and the other Asian boards also went along with it.

Sell your terrestrial and digital rights at a lower price or at least keep a clause which says that an extra amount will be paid if this fixture does happen by a happy accident.

No need to rig the draws. Same for ENG v Australia

Unfortunately, I think only the BCCI is capable of making the decision to change this.

For everyone else, including Pakistan, the loss of potential revenue would be too significant to propose a change. They may all chafe at the preferential treatment to this fixture and mutter under their breath but it's not a big enough issue to give up money for.

Maybe we start with the Asia Cup. The rights value is about $25M annually ($170M over 7 years). Each of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka & Afghanistan make 15% so maybe $2M to $2.5M net of costs? BCCI and ACC let the broadcaster know they won't be getting a guaranteed India-Pakistan game...only a potential one and see how the value drops in the renegotiation. If it's half, it's a only a loss of $1M or so per Board. Insignificant for the BCCI and painful but bearable for the other Boards. If it turns out to be smaller loss, we can try the ICC events next.

 

[Usman Chadda]

ICC has been the doing the same for England-Australia, Sri Lanka-Bangladesh and South Africa-Netherlands fixtures too.

Not much noise is made because they are not political rivalries, so they don't get the same level of hype.

 

[Ball Blazer]

BCCI official reacts to call of not having more India-Pakistan games after Asia Cup fallout: 'Easy to talk but...'

The Asia Cup 2025 drama has led to calls for reducing the number of matches between India and Pakistan in the future. However, a BCCI official brushed aside these suggestions, saying it is easier to have such conversations, but there are no simple calls, as many sponsors are involved, and the final decision can only be taken once the sponsors and broadcasters give their approval. The eight-team tournament was marked by intense drama between the two teams, culminating in Suryakumar Yadav's India refusing to accept the silverware from Mohsin Naqvi, the head of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the Asian Cricket Council (ACC).

India and Pakistan met on three occasions in the tournament, with India emerging victorious each time. This was the first time that the two teams played against one another in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor. The group stage match on September 14 saw Suryakumar and his side refusing to shake hands with the rival camp.

The Super 4s game on September 21 then witnessed Pakistani players making provocative gestures as the bad blood clearly spilt over. Recently, former England captain Michael Atherton advised the ICC not to have more matches between the two teams, as the current climate is not good enough.

Reacting to this suggestion, a BCCI official told Dainik Jagran that it is easy to issue such advice, but there are no simple solutions to this problem.

"It's easy to talk about all this, but will sponsors and broadcasters agree to it? In today's situation, if any major team, not just India, withdraws from a tournament, it will be difficult to attract sponsors," said the official.

Source: HindustanTimes

 

[cricketfan24]

I don’t think any Pakistani will have an issue with this, but the Indian broadcasters and sponsors will start crying the moment they realise there’s no India-Pakistan match, for them, the money from that clash is worth more than the victims of Pahalgam, they did the same during the Champions Trophy.

 

[cricketfan24]

BCCI official reacts to call of not having more India-Pakistan games after Asia Cup fallout: 'Easy to talk but...'

The Asia Cup 2025 drama has led to calls for reducing the number of matches between India and Pakistan in the future. However, a BCCI official brushed aside these suggestions, saying it is easier to have such conversations, but there are no simple calls, as many sponsors are involved, and the final decision can only be taken once the sponsors and broadcasters give their approval. The eight-team tournament was marked by intense drama between the two teams, culminating in Suryakumar Yadav's India refusing to accept the silverware from Mohsin Naqvi, the head of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the Asian Cricket Council (ACC).

India and Pakistan met on three occasions in the tournament, with India emerging victorious each time. This was the first time that the two teams played against one another in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor. The group stage match on September 14 saw Suryakumar and his side refusing to shake hands with the rival camp.

The Super 4s game on September 21 then witnessed Pakistani players making provocative gestures as the bad blood clearly spilt over. Recently, former England captain Michael Atherton advised the ICC not to have more matches between the two teams, as the current climate is not good enough.

Reacting to this suggestion, a BCCI official told Dainik Jagran that it is easy to issue such advice, but there are no simple solutions to this problem.

"It's easy to talk about all this, but will sponsors and broadcasters agree to it? In today's situation, if any major team, not just India, withdraws from a tournament, it will be difficult to attract sponsors," said the official.

Source: HindustanTimes

The usual drama

hiding behind sponsors and broadcasters.

If the Indians had even a shred of self-respect, or respect for the Pahalgam victims, the money wouldn’t matter. Deep down, we all know indians want to play Pakistan.

 

[hur rizvi]

The tv rights deal signed by ICC has a clause - there must be a India - Pakistan game

So there is no chance of this game not happening. U think ICC & cricket boards will leave millions of dollars on the table bcoz SKY & Haris Rauf decided to behave like idiots

Correction : BCCI made sky do what he did. They made the women team do the same

 

[Rajdeep]

I don’t think any Pakistani will have an issue with this, but the Indian broadcasters and sponsors will start crying the moment they realise there’s no India-Pakistan match, for them, the money from that clash is worth more than the victims of Pahalgam, they did the same during the Champions Trophy.

Ofcourse Pakistanis will not have any issues after 3-0 on 3 consecutive sundays. LOL.

 

[cricketfan24]

Ofcourse Pakistanis will not have any issues after 3-0 on 3 consecutive sundays. LOL.

Cricket toh bacho ka khel hai not interested

6-0 & tea was fantastic

 

[Devadwal]

After the humiliating 3-0 defeat, Pakistani people's definitely do not want to play any match against India.

 

[Rajdeep]

Cricket toh bacho ka khel hai not interested

6-0 & tea was fantastic

6-0 and tea were delusions created by Pakistani awaam for self tasalli.

The humiliation on cricket field was visible to all.

Also, if cricket is bacho ka khel...why comment on a cricket thread? Bacho ke khel me kaun aise haarta hai yaar

 

[cricketfan24]

6-0 and tea were delusions created by Pakistani awaam for self tasalli.

The humiliation on cricket field was visible to all.

Also, if cricket is bacho ka khel...why comment on a cricket thread? Bacho ke khel me kaun aise haarta hai yaar

Rajdeep having a meltdown

 

[harshjoshi87]

They cannot do that ODI World cup is round robin league

Its only possible in T20 World cup to have India Pakistan in different groups

ODI World Cup 2027 will have 14 teams divided in 2 groups followed by a Super Six stage, same format as 1999 & 2003 ODI World Cup.

 

[light]

No, I think Atherton is a no-nonsense guy. And as a neutral, he's fed up with these shenanigans.

Since he has no stake in the IPL, he's unafraid to speak his mind, which is absolutely fine.

Not just him, rest of the world is tired of this too - including many indians/pakistanis who takes time off from their day to just watch a cricket match. Only ones that sees no issue and defends these type of behaviours are the ones that thinks there is nothing wrong with how both India and Pakistan acted like during this tournament. No one cares. Go battle it out on the battle field - leave the ROW alone. Honestly, as time goes by, I think it was better when Eng/Aus were in control of cricket. If any other team did what these two board/players did, ICC would have heavily fined them and punished them. If Ind wasn't involved and Pakistan did something like this, ICC would have definitely stepped in at one point.

 

[Josh]

We know the ICC is toothless, but why would they want to kill the goose that lays the golden egg?

I think we need to call a spade a spade and stop saying broadcasters. There is a rigged draw because Indian fans want to play Pakistan ( well they did before this recent conflict).

Ultimately the situation has been caused by Indian hypocrisy, they have an insane demand for this fixture, yet at the same time their government claims they are forced to play it and bring in reasoning like olympics hosting in the future.

The fixture is stuck between a rock and a hard place, between Indians who simultaneously want to watch and also don't want to watch. The rigged draw suits the PCB aswell. Their tier 2 team gets a bump up to tier one status for a match or two but they aren't the one complaining about it ( well at least not as much)

It's not broadcaster but all the member boards of ICC including PCB who want this game for the money it generates for ICC. Broadcaster could simply pay less and be done it. Bigger broadcast deal, each member benefits with bigger amount of money from ICC

 

[BouncerGuy]

It's not broadcaster but all the member boards of ICC including PCB who want this game for the money it generates for ICC. Broadcaster could simply pay less and be done it. Bigger broadcast deal, each member benefits with bigger amount of money from ICC

Yeah... ICC will never scrap this match.. This game is a money-maker even after all the drama and bhangra from btoh sides.

 

[harshjoshi87]

ICC should do one tournament without placing India-Pakistan in the same group. Let them meet in knockout matches if they qualify. Let's start from T20 World Cup 2026.

 

[U$ofA]

Not just him, rest of the world is tired of this too - including many indians/pakistanis who takes time off from their day to just watch a cricket match. Only ones that sees no issue and defends these type of behaviours are the ones that thinks there is nothing wrong with how both India and Pakistan acted like during this tournament. No one cares. Go battle it out on the battle field - leave the ROW alone. Honestly, as time goes by, I think it was better when Eng/Aus were in control of cricket. If any other team did what these two board/players did, ICC would have heavily fined them and punished them. If Ind wasn't involved and Pakistan did something like this, ICC would have definitely stepped in at one point.

Not sure if the people who run things are tired or not. I would say not. ICC continues with its policy of doing nothing outside of taking in Indian $$$. The rest of the boards also silent and happy to receive the ICC handouts. So no use complaining.

I also seriously doubt things would be different if Eng/Aus were in charge. They are also part and parcel with the others to happily take Indian $$$. No protest, push back from either. This is not just limited to ICC events. But also bilateral. Solid proof in that India visits Aus and Eng almost every year.

 

[DeadlyVenom]

It's not broadcaster but all the member boards of ICC including PCB who want this game for the money it generates for ICC. Broadcaster could simply pay less and be done it. Bigger broadcast deal, each member benefits with bigger amount of money from ICC

Broadcast deal size only exists because of the Indians. Indian broadcasters are happy to pay big money because they know Indian fans demand to watch this match and they can sell sponsorship deals.

Why wouldn't the boards want to milk the Indians and make money? It's hard to blame them too much.

Yet the same Indians who are happy being milked also now demand weird levels of patriotism and demand war losses are avenged on cricket field.

Blame is solely on them here.

 

[DeadlyVenom]

Yeah... ICC will never scrap this match.. This game is a money-maker even after all the drama and bhangra from btoh sides.

Where is the money coming from? It is not falling from the sky.

 

[BouncerGuy]

Where is the money coming from? It is not falling from the sky.

Mainly broadcasters and fans watching aroudnt he world...

 

[mominsaigol]

Gonna stay out of this thread. All threads by @Rajdeep are certified trolling rage bait.

 

[BouncerGuy]

PLEASE STAY ON TOPIC

 

[Hitman]

Can't wait for the day India plays Pakistan next.

 

[DeadlyVenom]

Mainly broadcasters and fans watching aroudnt he world...

It's coming from Indian viewership. There is no need to try and deflect from their hypocrisy by blaming ICC and broadcasters.

The broadcasters are Indians, the sponsors are Indians, the draw is rigged because of Indians, the fans watching are mainly Indians and the ones doing the rhona dhona and politicizing are Indians.

 

[BouncerGuy]

It's coming from Indian viewership. There is no need to try and deflect from their hypocrisy by blaming ICC and broadcasters.

The broadcasters are Indians, the sponsors are Indians, the draw is rigged because of Indians, the fans watching are mainly Indians and the ones doing the rhona dhona and politicizing are Indians.

Yeah you are right... Indians are pretty huge in number.. No doubt.

 

[Josh]

Broadcast deal size only exists because of the Indians. Indian broadcasters are happy to pay big money because they know Indian fans demand to watch this match and they can sell sponsorship deals.

Why wouldn't the boards want to milk the Indians and make money? It's hard to blame them too much.

Yet the same Indians who are happy being milked also now demand weird levels of patriotism and demand war losses are avenged on cricket field.

Blame is solely on them here.

What kind of logic is this? Broadcasters still have to make a deal with the ICC so there is an ICC in between. Should ICC wish, it could choose to reject such a deal with this fixture as a precondition. If it was only upto broadcasters, they could have easily paid money to PCB and BCCI for a bilateral series. It happens with the permission of ICC and its memeber boards. I haven't seen executives of memeber boards opposing this kind of Ind vs Pak fixture in ICC events. It benefits them all with bigger share of revenue from ICC. BCCI and PCB both can survive and do well without this match.

Only players like Mike Atherton et others talk about it; possibly because there is no direct benefit for them, who knows with money they could have changed their tunes as well. Also this matter at worst is morally wrong, there is nothing wrong with this practically.

 

[DeadlyVenom]

What kind of logic is this? Broadcasters still have to make a deal with the ICC so there is an ICC in between. Should ICC wish, it could choose to reject such a deal with this fixture as a precondition. If it was only upto broadcasters, they could have easily paid money to PCB and BCCI for a bilateral series. It happens with the permission of ICC and its memeber boards. I haven't seen executives of memeber boards opposing this kind of Ind vs Pak fixture in ICC events. It benefits them all with bigger share of revenue from ICC. BCCI and PCB both can survive and do well without this match.

Only players like Mike Atherton et others talk about it; possibly because there is no direct benefit for them, who knows with money they could have changed their tunes as well. Also this matter at worst is morally wrong, there is nothing wrong with this practically.

Again why would they (ICC) opposed it? The money comes rolling in because Indians wanted this fixture.

But they wanted to have their cake and eat it too. The BCCI/GOI wanted to keep milking their population for money, but also elevated the game of cricket so it became surrounded by crazy patriotism and nationalism. Now we got to a point that Indians can't resist playing and watching the sport but they want to do it in an unsportsmanlike way.

 

[Josh]

Again why would they (ICC) opposed it? The money comes rolling in because Indians wanted this fixture.

But they wanted to have their cake and eat it too. The BCCI/GOI wanted to keep milking their population for money, but also elevated the game of cricket so it became surrounded by crazy patriotism and nationalism. Now we got to a point that Indians can't resist playing and watching the sport but they want to do it in an unsportsmanlike way.

Why would ICC oppose it? -> Isn't it ICC that is scheduling these Ind v Pak matches in ICC events by bending rules to make sure these two teams are in the same group ?

Broadcasters are not BCCI. They are an entity of their own. They are capitalist who like to make money like every other business. ICC as an organisation running sports should have a moral say here.

 

[light]

Not sure if the people who run things are tired or not. I would say not. ICC continues with its policy of doing nothing outside of taking in Indian $$$. The rest of the boards also silent and happy to receive the ICC handouts. So no use complaining.

I also seriously doubt things would be different if Eng/Aus were in charge. They are also part and parcel with the others to happily take Indian $$$. No protest, push back from either. This is not just limited to ICC events. But also bilateral. Solid proof in that India visits Aus and Eng almost every year.

They definitely are, they just can't say anything cause India feeds ICC most of it's revenue.

When Eng/Aus were in charge, things were definitely different - in a sense that stupidity like this would have been punished pre IPL. Pakistan got off free from this because India was also involved, or it would make no sense to punish pakistan while India walks away, hence we see no punishment for both team by ICC. Boards/Players would have heavily criticized for this shinanigans too - but again, India is involved so everyone kept their mouth zipped.

Take India out of this Equation and replace them with Either BD/SL/AFG, now replay the same scenerio, would you agree that Both Pakistan and the X team replacing India would have been criticized/or punished in some way? I would say yes.

 

[U$ofA]

They definitely are, they just can't say anything cause India feeds ICC most of it's revenue.

When Eng/Aus were in charge, things were definitely different - in a sense that stupidity like this would have been punished pre IPL. Pakistan got off free from this because India was also involved, or it would make no sense to punish pakistan while India walks away, hence we see no punishment for both team by ICC. Boards/Players would have heavily criticized for this shinanigans too - but again, India is involved so everyone kept their mouth zipped.

Take India out of this Equation and replace them with Either BD/SL/AFG, now replay the same scenerio, would you agree that Both Pakistan and the X team replacing India would have been criticized/or punished in some way? I would say yes.

There is always a choice. In this case Eng/Aus chose $$$ over standing up. Ditto for the rest of them.

When the affected people are unwilling to push back, status quo remains. No use complaining.

 

[light]

There is always a choice. In this case Eng/Aus chose $$$ over standing up. Ditto for the rest of them.

When the affected people are unwilling to push back, status quo remains. No use complaining.

Hence why I said: they just can't say anything cause India feeds ICC most of it's revenue.

They see the injustice, but won't push back because of money. everyone is greedy. Pretty sure most people who talks smack here would also zip it and take the $ too and look the other way.