ISLAMABAD: Former Indian captain and ex-president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Sourav Ganguly, has urged a complete cessation of cricketing ties with Pakistan amid ongoing tensions over the Pahalgam incident.
“Absolutely, this (cutting ties with Pakistan) must happen. Firm measures are essential. It’s no small matter that such incidents occur year after year,” Ganguly remarked, while speaking to the media in Kolkata.
India and Pakistan have not engaged in a bilateral series for several years, limiting their encounters to ICC tournaments such as the T20 and 50-over World Cups, the ICC Champions Trophy, and Asia Cup competitions organised by the Asian Cricket Council (ACC).
Amid growing tensions following the recent Pahalgam incidents, speculation had emerged suggesting that the BCCI had asked the International Cricket Council (ICC) to place India and Pakistan in separate groups for future global events.
However, the BCCI has categorically denied such claims.
Heightened political tensions
BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla clarified that any decision regarding Pakistan’s participation in international cricket events would be made only after consulting the Indian government.
BCCI confirmed that no official communication has been sent to the ICC about changing the structure of tournament groupings.
Despite the heightened political tensions, there has been no official initiative to alter the formats of ICC tournaments involving the two nations.
Looking ahead, the international cricket calendar is relatively quiet until the Women’s One-Day International World Cup in September–October 2025, which India is scheduled to host.
Pakistan’s World Cup qualification
Pakistan has already secured qualification for the eight-team event, which will be played in a round-robin format, ensuring that each side plays against all others, with no group-stage separation.
Although India is the host, matches involving Pakistan are expected to take place at neutral venues. The BCCI will ultimately decide on the locations, though a final decision is still pending.
Before the Women’s World Cup, attention will turn to the Men’s Asia Cup, for which India holds the hosting rights. However, in line with recent editions, it is likely the tournament will once again be held at a neutral venue, with the UAE and Sri Lanka among the options being considered.
A final verdict on the venue is expected soon, with September identified as the target window for the competition.
