India and Pakistan haven’t played a bilateral series in years, with their only encounters limited to multi-nation tournaments like the Asia Cup and ICC events. However, following the Pahalgam terrorist attack and Operation Sindoor, tensions between the two nations have escalated further, raising serious concerns about whether they will even meet in ICC tournaments going forward.
Recently, reports suggested that India is considering pulling out of the Asia Cup. Now, there are claims that both countries may no longer be grouped together in ICC events either. A final decision on this matter is expected to be discussed during the ICC Annual Conference, scheduled to take place in Singapore from July 17 to 20.
Could India vs. Pakistan Become a Thing of the Past?
According to PTI, a senior BCCI official disclosed that there is now minimal likelihood of India and Pakistan meeting in knockout stages of ICC events, unless both teams happen to progress that far. However, since they are often placed in the same group, there is growing support within the ICC for keeping them in separate groups to avoid direct clashes altogether.
If the BCCI successfully convinces the ICC during the Singapore meeting, this could effectively eliminate even those rare encounters — marking the end of one of cricket’s most intense rivalries.
Final Curtain for Indo-Pak Cricket?
India has already severed bilateral cricket ties with Pakistan, and withdrawing from the Asia Cup seems increasingly likely. If the two are kept apart in ICC tournaments as well, it would mean no India-Pakistan matches at all — not even in neutral venues. This would bring an end to their cricketing face-offs for the foreseeable future.
India Hasn’t Toured Pakistan in 17 Years
India last toured Pakistan in 2008, and has since refused to travel there for any cricket series. During the 2025 Champions Trophy, which was hosted by Pakistan, India declined to play in Pakistan, leading to all their matches being shifted to Dubai. Following this incident, the ICC and both boards agreed to stage matches involving India and Pakistan at neutral venues when needed.
