Gambhir call for total Pakistan boycott creates World Cup woes for ICC

PL on the depressing events unfolding between the two nations

Indian coach Gautam Gambhir says India and Pakistan should stop playing cricket altogether, which is a massive headache for the ICC as it prepares for a series of World Cups and an Asia Cup over the next 18 months.

The neighbours have not played a bilateral series since 2013, but up to now have always found a workaround when it comes to ICC tournaments. India refused to play in Pakistan when their neighbour hosted the most recent T20 World Cup, but a compromise was found with the eventual winners getting the privilege of playing all their games in Dubai. In December, it was agreed that the Pakistan side would play India under a similar arrangement at a neutral venue in this year’s Women’s Cricket World Cup which will be hosted in India.

And then there’s the 2026 men’s T20 World Cup due to be hosted by India, but with Sri Lanka available as a “neutral” host for the two neighbours.

Tensions have increased since the terror attack in Kashmir last month and escalated this week when India retaliated by turning off the water and then embarked on bombing raids.