Key points
- Champions Trophy, 2031 World Cup under review
- India-Pakistan standoff driving relocation talks
- Australia frontrunner to host future tournaments
ISLAMABAD: The International Cricket Council (ICC) is reportedly weighing the option of moving several major global tournaments away from India due to growing political tensions and the ongoing difficulties surrounding cross-border cricket tours.
Australian media reports claim the ICC is considering relocating the 2029 Champions Trophy and the 2031 ODI World Cup, both currently scheduled to be hosted in India, as neighbouring nations continue to refuse to travel to each other’s countries.
The stalemate between India and Pakistan has become a major factor, with both sides unwilling to play cricket on each other’s soil. As a result, the ICC is said to be exploring alternative venues, with Australia emerging as the leading candidate should the tournaments be shifted.
Australia has recently hosted several successful ICC events, including the 2015 ODI World Cup and the 2022 T20 World Cup, strengthening its position as a potential replacement host.
ICC-brokered agreement
The current impasse follows an earlier ICC-brokered agreement between the Indian and Pakistani boards to stage all matches between the two rivals at neutral venues during global tournaments. This arrangement was introduced after India declined to travel to Pakistan for the 2025 Champions Trophy. Although initially valid until 2027, reports suggest the deal may now be extended indefinitely.
The situation has further intensified following Bangladesh’s withdrawal from the ongoing 2026 T20 World Cup, after refusing to travel to India. The ICC reportedly rejected requests to move their fixtures to Sri Lanka, leaving Bangladesh with no option but to pull out.
With India, Pakistan and Bangladesh all unwilling to tour one another, the international cricket calendar faces increasing uncertainty. Political tensions have also spilled onto the field, with India again avoiding handshakes with Pakistan players during the current World Cup, drawing criticism from fans and observers.
