The India–Pakistan cricket rivalry has long been considered the most intense competition in world cricket. For decades, fans across the globe have eagerly awaited these high-voltage encounters. However, in recent years, growing political and military tensions between the two nations have affected their relations both on and off the field. Reflecting this strained dynamic, former England cricketer and analyst Michael Atherton has advised the ICC to stop organizing India–Pakistan matches altogether, even if they bring in the highest revenue.
In his column for The Times, Atherton argued that while there may be financial and diplomatic reasons behind scheduling these matches in ICC tournaments, the deteriorating relationship between the two countries makes it inappropriate to continue. He emphasized that the time has come for the ICC to put an end to this cricketing rivalry, as it now represents more division than competition.
Atherton pointed out that India vs Pakistan games are among the most commercially valuable in the sport. He wrote, “The India–Pakistan fixture is immensely profitable, and that’s precisely why the ICC’s broadcast rights are worth so much — nearly $3 billion in the 2023–27 cycle.” These matches attract massive global audiences, making them central to ICC’s financial strategy.
However, Atherton highlighted that the two nations have not played bilateral cricket since 2013. As a result, their meetings in ICC events have gained exaggerated importance, largely driven by economic motives rather than sporting spirit. He criticized the ICC for deliberately scheduling these fixtures to boost revenue, saying that such decisions serve the financial interests of those with no direct stake in the game itself.
Notably, India and Pakistan have faced each other in every ICC tournament since 2013. But recent encounters, including in the Asia Cup, have shown that these games now mirror the growing hostility between the two countries. What once symbolized “cricket diplomacy” has, according to Atherton, turned into a reflection of political propaganda and broader national tensions.
He concluded by stating that serious sport should not be dictated by commercial or political pressures. “If cricket was once a bridge between nations, it has now become a symbol of division,” Atherton wrote, urging the ICC to rethink its priorities and refrain from exploiting this rivalry for financial gain.