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The fierce cricketing rivalry between Pakistan and India might not light up the group stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, if reports emerging from Indian media are to be believed.
According to the latest developments, both nations are expected to be placed in separate groups for the mega event, primarily due to ongoing political tensions.
and the fallout from India’s refusal to tour Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy earlier this year.
Traditionally, Pakistan and India have been drawn in the same group at ICC events, given their inability to play bilateral cricket since 2013.
These encounters, limited to Asia Cups and World Cups, often serve as box-office blockbusters, with broadcasters and fans eagerly awaiting the high-voltage clashes.
However, this time around, the global cricketing body appears to be considering a different approach.
A source close to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) told a local news agency that this issue will be discussed at the annual ICC conference.
“The issue is bound to come up for discussion at the annual conference,” the source stated.
“While the prospect of India and Pakistan not playing in ICC knockouts is unlikely, not drawing them in the same group, which has been the norm, is a possibility.”
The final call, however, will rest with the ICC and is expected to be made during its annual conference scheduled from July 17 to 20 in Singapore.
This will be the first annual meeting attended by Jay Shah in his capacity as the ICC Chairman since assuming office in December 2024.
The strained ties between the PCB and BCCI have been well documented in recent years, with the latest flashpoint being India’s decision to skip the Champions Trophy hosted by Pakistan.
The deadlock eventually led to a “fusion formula,” under which both boards reportedly agreed not to visit each other’s home soil for ICC events for the next three years. Instead, their matches would be staged at neutral venues.
If the separation in groups materialises, it would mark a rare shift in ICC’s recent scheduling philosophy, and, more importantly, deprive fans of an early Pakistan-India showdown unless the two sides meet in the knockouts.
