ICC may shift events from India as geopolitical tensions between Pakistan and India continue to impact international cricket, according to a report by The Sydney Morning Herald.
The publication stated that Australia is being considered as a potential alternative host for the ICC Champions Trophy 2029 and the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2031. Both tournaments are currently scheduled to be hosted by India, with Bangladesh as co-host for the 2031 edition.
The reported discussions follow uncertainty during the ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. Pakistan initially announced it would boycott a group-stage match against India. However, after high-level talks involving the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), the ICC and the Bangladesh Cricket Board, Pakistan agreed to participate.
Officials reportedly approved participation to avoid significant financial losses that could have resulted from withdrawal.
ICC Shift Event from India
Tensions between the two cricketing rivals have intensified in recent years. The Asia Cup 2024 marked the first major tournament after the 2025 conflict between the two nations, which later ended following international mediation.
During that event and a recent T20 World Cup fixture, Indian players did not engage in the customary post-match handshake with their Pakistani counterparts, highlighting the ongoing strain.
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In December 2024, the PCB and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) agreed to a “hybrid model” for ICC tournaments during the 2024–2027 cycle. Under this arrangement, both teams avoid playing matches hosted by the other country and instead compete at neutral venues.
Bilateral cricket between the two nations has also been suspended for over a decade. The last series took place in 2012–13 when Pakistan toured India.
According to the report, global cricket administrators are now exploring contingency options to prevent disruption to major tournaments. Australia has previously hosted high-profile Pakistan–India World Cup matches, including during the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup and the 2022 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. The ICC has not issued an official statement regarding any relocation of future events.
