ICC reportedly considers moving future tournaments from India

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is reportedly considering relocating upcoming global tournaments scheduled to be held in India amid ongoing political tensions in the region and continued uncertainty over bilateral cricket ties.

According to Australian media reports, the ICC is examining the possibility of shifting the 2029 Champions Trophy and the 2031 ODI World Cup to alternative host countries.

The reports cite the ongoing standoff between India national cricket team and Pakistan national cricket team, with both sides unwilling to tour each other’s countries.

Australia has been mentioned as a potential alternative host if relocation plans proceed. The country previously staged the 2015 ODI World Cup and the 2022 T20 World Cup.

The current impasse follows an earlier arrangement brokered by the ICC under which India and Pakistan agreed to play matches at neutral venues during global tournaments.

The understanding was reached after India declined to travel to Pakistan for the 2025 Champions Trophy. While the agreement was initially set to remain in place until 2027, reports suggest it may now be extended to cover future ICC events.

Discussions have also been affected by Bangladesh’s reported withdrawal from the 2026 T20 World Cup, which is being co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.

According to the reports, Bangladesh declined to play matches in India, and a request to shift its fixtures to Sri Lanka was not approved.

The situation has raised broader questions about the scheduling and hosting of international cricket events in the region.

Rising political tensions have further strained relations, with incidents during recent tournaments drawing attention from fans and commentators.

The ICC has not yet issued an official statement regarding any final decision on relocating future tournaments.