The International Cricket Council is reportedly exploring alternative hosting options for major future tournaments due to ongoing geopolitical tensions between Pakistan and India. Reports suggest that Australia could be considered as a backup venue for the ICC Champions Trophy 2029 and the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2031, which are currently scheduled to be hosted by India, with Bangladesh set to co-host the 2031 World Cup.
The discussions follow uncertainty during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. Pakistan initially announced a boycott of its February 15 group-stage match against India in solidarity with Bangladesh, which had refused to travel to India due to security concerns. After high-level discussions involving the Pakistan Cricket Board, ICC officials, and the Bangladesh Cricket Board, Pakistan ultimately participated in the match to avoid a potential financial loss of $250 million.
Tensions between Pakistan and India in cricket predate recent conflicts. The Asia Cup 2024 was the first major tournament after the May 2025 conflict between the two nuclear-armed nations, and during recent matches, Indian players and their captain have declined the customary post-match handshake with Pakistani counterparts. Since 2012–13, when Pakistan toured India, bilateral series between the two countries have not occurred due to political tensions.
Under a 2024 agreement for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Pakistan and India adopted a “hybrid model,” deciding not to play ICC events hosted by the other country and instead scheduling matches at neutral venues. This arrangement is part of the 2024–2027 rights cycle.
Given the ongoing strain, cricket administrators are holding contingency discussions to identify backup venues for major tournaments. Australia has previously hosted high-profile Pakistan–India matches, including the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup at Adelaide Oval with 41,587 spectators and the 2022 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup at Melbourne Cricket Ground, which drew 90,293 fans.
