BCCI Hands Major Blow To PCB After Pahalgam Attack, Asks ICC Not To....: Report (Source: ANI)
Photo : ANI
In what comes as a strong response from the BCCI after Pakistan sponsored terrorist attack in Pahalgam, where 26 people lost their lives, the board has reportedly written to the ICC not to keep India and Pakistan in the same group in ICC events. Terrorism has severely affected the cricketing ties between the two countries. The bilateral series between the two teams were cut off after the 26/11 attack in Mumbai.
There was an attempt to restore the ties when Pakistan toured India for a short series in 2012-13; however, continuous terrorist activities across the border put the bilateral series on indefinite hold. ICC events were the only tournaments where the teams faced each other.
The matches were the heart and soul of the ICC events and generated hefty revenue, but the recent attack in Kashmir has forced the BCCI to take this strong step.
The next major ICC men's event will be the T20 World Cup 2026 in India, however, it's very unlikely the tournament will see the arch-rivals clash. In terms of women's cricket, India will host the ICC Women's World Cup, and the schedule might see the ICC keeping the two teams in separate groups.
Earlier, the BCCI and PCB agreed on playing all ICC events in India or Pakistan in a hybrid model. The decision was taken after the BCCI refused to send India to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy.
What About The Asia Cup?
India and Pakistan were set to face each other in the Asia Cup, to be hosted by India in September, but very likely played at a neutral venue given the BCCI-PCB agreement. The recent issue puts the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) in a tough position. Reportedly, the media rights for the Asia Cup were sold at $170 million for four editions - based on an unofficial understanding that each edition will feature at least two India-Pakistan matches, with the possibility of a third if the teams meet in the final.
The schedule for the Asia Cup was set to be out in May, however, the ACC could take more time to have a deep look at their options.
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