India v Pakistan is cricket’s fiercest and most lucrative rivalry. It’s also the most volatile. That’s why Australia is emerging as an alternative option to host global cricket tournaments presently scheduled to be played in India in 2029 and 2031.
Analysis & Context
India v Pakistan is cricket’s fiercest and most lucrative rivalry. It’s also the most volatile. That’s why Australia is emerging as an alternative option to host global cricket tournaments presently scheduled to be played in India in 2029 and 2031. This article provides comprehensive coverage and analysis of current events.
India v Pakistan is cricket’s fiercest and most lucrative rivalry. It’s also the most volatile. That’s why Australia is emerging as an alternative option to host global cricket tournaments presently scheduled to be played in India in 2029 and 2031.
SportCricketAustralian cricketIndia-Pakistan tensions may send future cricket world cups to AustraliaBy Daniel Brettig February 16, 2026 — 5.33pmSaveLog in, register or subscribe to save articles for later.Save articles for laterAdd articles to your saved list and come back to them any time.Got itNormal text sizeLarger text sizeVery large text sizeAdvertisementAustralia may be considered among alternative options to host cricket’s global events set to be played in India in 2030 and 2031, amid the political tensions that have played havoc with the current Twenty20 World Cup.The threat of a boycott by Pakistan of its T20 World Cup pool game against India in Colombo, one of the most lucrative fixtures in international sport, was only averted by intensive talks between cricket boards, governments and the International Cricket Council.Opposing captains Salman Ali Agha (Pakistan) and India’s Suryakumar Yadav did not shake hands after tossing the coin before their teams played each other at the T20 World Cup in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on Sunday.Credit: APWhile the game went ahead on Sunday night, ending in a resounding victory for India, the participation of another populous south Asian nation, Bangladesh, had already been upended by political interference.Those issues have led to wider scenario discussions among cricket bosses, according to two sources with knowledge of plans, whereby back-up venues may be sought to avoid similar disruptions to world events. As the game’s financial powerhouse, India has been awarded a majority of these tournaments in recent times, but difficult relationships between regional neighbours may cause a rethink.As it stands, India won’t play in Pakistan and Pakistan won’t play in India, while Bangladesh won’t play in India and India’s position on touring Bangladesh is unclear.Australia is currently set to host the 2028 T20 World Cup alongside New Zealand, with a new chief executive for the tournament to be named imminently. Cricket Australia was contacted for comment.Fans enjoy the atmosphere during the India-Pakistan T20 World Cup match at the MCG in 2022.Credit: GettyBut there are two events currently scheduled in India – the 2029 ICC Champions Trophy and the 2031 ODI World Cup with Bangladesh – that may be moved, should ongoing tensions in the region become too much of a risk for tournament schedulers and broadcasters.In 2015 and 2022, Australia successfully hosted world cups including fixtures between India and Pakistan that drew huge crowds at major venues. In 2015, 41,587 were at the Adelaide Oval for an ODI between the rivals. Seven years later, an MCG T20 crowd of 90,293 were enthralled by Virat Kohli getting India home. The Australian time zone is also considered a strong one for the south Asian market, particularly for night matches.AdvertisementThe other notable events in the period are next year’s 50-over World Cup, to be jointly hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia, plus the 2030 T20 World Cup to be held in England, Wales, Ireland and Scotland.Had India and Pakistan not played their pool game earlier this week, organisers were staring at the possibility of a $250 million hole being blown in the game’s revenue distribution model, derived from broadcast rights and commercial returns from the fixture.Pakistan keeper Usman Khan runs out India’s Shivam Dube in Colombo on Sunday.Credit: AP“The ICC’s priority remains the successful delivery of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, which should also be the responsibility of all its members, including the PCB. It expects the PCB to explore a mutually acceptable resolution, which protects the interests of all stakeholders,” the ICC said after the boycott was announced.“While the ICC respects the roles of governments in matters of national policy, this decision is not in the interest of the global game or the welfare of fans worldwide, including millions in Pakistan.“The ICC hopes that the PCB will consider the significant and long-term implications for cricket in its own country as this is likely to impact the global cricket ecosystem, which it is itself a member and beneficiary of.”Pakistan ultimately backed down from their threat after being reminded by multiple nations of the flow-on effects of not playing: financial realities and the impacts that would be felt by the majority of cricket nations that rely heavily on ICC funding.Indian fans cheer for their team in Colombo, where an estimated crowd of 35,000 witnessed their victory over Pakistan.Credit: APAs it is, relations between the two countries and their cricket teams have become extremely frosty, underlined by how none of the players shared even a handshake before or after the game at the Premadasa Stadium.In addition to the conflict between India and Pakistan, the relatively recent advent of squabbles between India and Bangladesh have given administrators further reasons for pause.Bangladesh’s star left-arm bowler, Mustafizur Rahman, had his Indian Premier League contract torn u
