India vs Pakistan Resumption Outside ICC Events And Asia Cup Gathers Pace

India vs Pakistan on the cards again [Source: AFP]

India and Pakistan cricket teams could possibly face each other in a multi-nation white-ball tournament, as per reports. For over a decade, the two sides have been facing each other only in ICC or ACC events like Cricket World Cups, T20 World Cups, Champions Trophies and Asia Cups.

According to reports, the resumption of non-ICC and non-ACC India vs Pakistan matches is gathering pace, and the prospect might well be discussed at the upcoming ICC seminar.

ICC on track to discuss India vs Pakistan matches in multilateral series

As reported by the Pakistan-based ARY News, the ICC could explore the possibility of staging India vs Pakistan cricket matches.

While both teams already face each other in ICC and ACC events, the report states that the apex body is considering to organise a tri-series or a quadrangular series involving the Asian arch-rivals. 

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The idea will likely be discussed at the upcoming ICC seminar, scheduled to take place in Dubai on September 22 and September 23 this month. The primary agenda of the seminar will be to plan the Future Tours Programme (FTP), and it will be attended by representatives of all 12 Test playing nations and by eight associate members. 

The ICC will be expected to discuss the financial viability of multi-nation series compared to the conventional bilateral series. If the plan goes through, the tri-series or the quadrangular series involving India and Pakistan will likely be hosted at a neutral venue.

So far, the report states that countries like the UAE, England and Australia have emerged as strong candidates for hosts.

Why is ICC proposing tri-series over bilateral series for India vs Pakistan

The concept of India vs Pakistan cricket matches outside ICC or ACC events is gaining renewed attention only through tri-series or a possible quadrangular tournament. 

The report states that the involvement of more teams in such a scenario could create stronger commercial returns while also offering more attractive packages to the broadcasters and organisers.

Apart from possibly generating significant commercial interest, the report states that the Indian government does not have the same objection to India vs Pakistan matches in multi-nation events like they have to their bilateral meetings. 

With geopolitical tensions between the two countries already palpable, a tri-series or a four-team series seems a more realistic option for the ICC in a bid to resume India vs Pakistan matches.

When was the last time India and Pakistan faced each other

The last time India and Pakistan faced each outside an ICC or an ACC event occurred way back in December 2012 and January 2013, when the ‘Men in Green’ toured India for a two-match T20I and three-match ODI series. 

Since then, India and Pakistan cricket teams have only faced each other in ICC tournaments like World Cups, T20 World Cups and Champions Trophy and in ACC events like Asia Cups. 

Just earlier this year, India and Pakistan crossed paths in the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup in Sri Lanka, with the ‘Men in Blue’ securing an easy 61-run win in the game.

Despite government restrictions on India vs Pakistan matches, their rivalry continues to remain the most profitable and the most lucrative source of income for the ICC. 

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