The International Cricket Council is exploring proposals for a multi-nation tournament at a neutral venue to reintroduce fixtures between India and Pakistan.
The governing body will debate the financial viability of tri-nation or four-team competitions during a Future Tours Programme seminar in Dubai on 22 and 23 September. Bilateral fixtures have been stalled since the 2012-13 season due to geopolitical tensions and Indian government policy. While the respective boards focus on domestic pathways, such as finalising youth squad selections and resolving Test squad selection dilemmas, their senior white-ball sides have only met in established global and continental tournaments over the past decade.
Overcoming Board Approval Obstacles
Neutral venues including England, Australia, and the United Arab Emirates are under consideration to host the events. Broadcasters favour the multi-team model as a lucrative alternative to standard bilateral matches, providing stronger commercial returns and guaranteed audience engagement. The format could involve one or two additional countries joining the established rivals.
Any competition staged outside standard Asian Cricket Council or global frameworks requires direct approval from participating boards. Securing an agreement remains complicated given the fractured relations between the two organisations. Tensions were visible during the 2025 Asia Cup, where the Indian captain refused a customary handshake at the toss following political unrest.
Representatives from 12 Test-playing nations and eight associate members will continue to shape the 2027-2031 calendar at the upcoming Dubai seminar.
