ICC provides important update on future of India-Pakistan matches

Geoff Allardice, the acting chief executive of the International Cricket Council (ICC), believes that resumption of bilateral ties between India and Pakistan is unlikely in the near future.

India last welcomed their arch-rivals in 2013 but that has been the only series between the countries in 13 years due to strained relations.  

The teams only currently go head-to-head in global ICC events, most recently last month when Pakistan registered their first-ever World Cup win over their neighbours at the 13th attempt in Dubai.

“We obviously enjoy when they play each other in our events,” Allardice was quoted as saying by Belfast Telegraph. “But the relationship between the two countries and the boards is something the ICC isn’t able to influence.”

“Like any bilateral cricket, if the two boards agree, they play. If they don’t, then they don’t. I suppose we’re not seeing much of a change on the horizon,” he added.

The stand-off means that the two sides won’t face each other in the World Test Championship group phase and a neutral venue will be used if they reach the final.

“It’s just a pragmatic approach to keep them apart and let the competition function,” he said. “If they both make it to the final of an ICC tournament, then playing each other at a neutral venue.”