Speculations of India-Pakistan Being Placed in Separate Groups Quashed by BCCI

Mumbai: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has dismissed speculations suggesting that India and Pakistan might be placed in separate groups in future ICC events.
Media reports had earlier claimed that following the recent Pahalgam incident, BCCI might request the International Cricket Council (ICC) to avoid placing the two arch-rivals in the same group. However, BCCI Vice President Rajeev Shukla has clarified the board’s stance, stating unequivocally that while they stand in solidarity with the victims of the Pahalgam incident, any decision will align with the directives of the Indian government.
Shukla further confirmed, “We will not play any bilateral series with Pakistan, but in ICC tournaments, our team will compete against Pakistan as per schedule.”
BCCI sources also confirmed that there has been no formal discussion with the ICC regarding the separation of India and Pakistan in group stages of international tournaments.
Meanwhile, the two teams are expected to face each other in the upcoming Asia Cup. The Asian Cricket Council has already secured media rights for the next four editions for $170 million. The agreement includes an informal clause ensuring at least two India-Pakistan matches per tournament, with the possibility of a third if both teams reach the final.