New Delhi: Star England cricketer Mike Atherton has explained why India and Pakistan regularly appear in major ICC tournaments despite political tensions. Atherton revealed that India-Pakistan matches are intentionally “arranged” to generate revenue.
In his column for The Times, Atherton cited remarks by Sami Ul Hasan, the former head of media and communications at the International Cricket Council (ICC), It’s all about maximising eyeballs and tournament revenue. It’s all about making sure India and Pakistan play against each other at least once. Over the last two decades, the ICC has changed the format of its tournaments multiple times to ensure that happens,” Sami said to Al Jazeera ahead of India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 clash.
Smallest action between India and Pakistan players agitated fans
At the same time, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) veteran predicted that fans would not witness the “friendship and warmth seen in the past, The smallest move can agitate the public,” he added.
And that’s what exactly happened, actions from Haris Rauf and Sahibzada Farhan during the tournament upset Indian fans, while Suryakumar Yadav’s “no-handshake” decision angered many in Pakistan
Mike Atherton said that the “arrangement” for India and Pakistan to play against each other in ICC tournaments has long been tacitly accepted. A key reason for this is the political tension that hinders bilateral series between the two countries.
ICC tournaments have become the only stage for India and Pakistan clash
India and Pakistan last faced each other in a Test match in 2007 and a white-ball series in 2013. As cricket diplomacy declines, ICC tournaments have become the only stage for their encounters, with these matches now held on neutral venues.
Despite their rarity, these games draw massive worldwide viewership and income, according to Atherton, the ICC’s broadcast rights are estimated to be worth about $3 billion for 2023–2027. But historically, there has been good relation between India and Pakistan’s player.
Atherton quoted from Gavaskar’s book, ‘Sunny Days’
Atherton cites Sunil Gavaskar’s memoir, ‘Sunny Days’, which recalls the World XI tour to Australia in 1971-72 that took place during the Indo-Pakistani war of 1971.
Gavaskar revealed in his book that the archrivals would often dine together at Pakistani restaurants.
“There was no tension at all between the Indian and Pakistan players, despite what was happening,” Atherton quoted Gavaskar as written in his book.
ICC always aims for Ind-Pak to face each other in major tournaments.
Atherton also reflected on ICC chief Dave Richardson’s 2016 statement confirming that the ICC always aims for India and Pakistan to face each other in major tournaments.
“No doubt we want to put India versus Pakistan in our events. It’s hugely important from an ICC point of view. It’s massive around the world and fans have come to expect it as well. It’s fantastic for the tournament because it gives it a massive kick,” Richardson said ahead of the 2017 Champions Trophy.
“So long as the pools are balanced, it’s silly to avoid [the fixture] when you can fairly cater for it,” Richardson said.
Atherton feels the situation has deteriorated
However, Mike Atherton feels the situation has deteriorated. He refers to the reactions from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Asian Cricket Council President Mohsin Naqvi following India’s victory Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025 final.
“For the next broadcast rights cycle, the fixture draw before ICC events should be transparent and if the two teams do not meet every time, so be it,” he added.
Story Highlight
- Mike Atherton has explained why India and Pakistan regularly appear in major ICC tournaments despite political tensions.
- Atherton said that the “arrangement” for India and Pakistan to play against each other in ICC tournaments has long been tacitly accepted.
- ICC tournaments have become the only stage for Ind-Pak encounters, with these matches are now held on neutral venues.
- Atherton cites Sunil Gavaskar’s memoir, ‘Sunny Days’, which recalls the World XI tour to Australia in 1971-72 that took place during the Indo-Pakistani war of 1971.
