ICC urged to scrap pre-set India vs Pakistan matches from 2026: For the past ten years, India and Pakistan have faced off in every ICC tournament, despite not playing each other in a bilateral series since early 2013. India and Pakistan have contested each other in every 50-over World Cup, T20 World Cup, and Champions Trophy since the 2013 Champions Trophy. Former English cricketer David Lloyd believes that although it is evident that India vs. Pakistan matches are a spectacle for the public eye, especially at ICC events, they shouldn’t be pre-scheduled.
Lloyd was questioned whether the ICC should stop organising its major events such that India and Pakistan will inevitably face each other at least once. This is essentially done by placing the two teams in the same group. “Bumble,” as he is affectionately called, is not in favour of “fixing” matches.
He said, “Not in the slightest,” when asked if it would be perceived as a sacrifice. “You just mentioned how the fixtures are independent. We discuss cricket fixing in great detail. That’s now repaired. It’s ready for a big occasion. If they do end up together—which I don’t think will happen—there is, in my opinion, a certain romance to anything like this. Viewers have something exciting to anticipate. Thus, it becomes an event if it occurs. The actual game is an event. It is unfixable by you. And we just correct a portion of it. We fix a lot of things. You’re just trying to control this World Cup, that’s all. It’s simply incorrect.
Much criticism has been levelled against the current 2024 T20 World Cup’s scheduling and format, particularly in the Super 8s. Teams essentially get one day off between games—or, in Australia’s case, none at all—and during that one day, the players spend travelling, which leaves them with very little opportunity for preparation.
Lloyd discusses further T20 World Cup 2024 loopholes
The fact that both semi-finals have distinct rules is another ridiculous lesson to be learned from this World Cup. There is a reserve day for the South Africa vs Afghanistan match, but not for the India vs England semi-final. Because Indian spectators back home will have the time, space, and energy to watch the games during prime-time hours, India has not played a day-night game in the tournament thus far. Lloyd continues, “And that’s what’s wrong.”
“It just isn’t fair (to the teams),” he stated. You could talk about anything and everything for ages. All we’re doing is rigging the competition to benefit a select few. The Indian TV audience is one that will watch anything, anywhere, at any time. It belongs to a religion. It is the ultimate and final thing. Since they would watch it, it must have such a high commercial worth that it surpasses the rivalry. And don’t tell me it’s created by the ICC. Who takes the action? Whoever it is, you need to let this operating group know that, while you’re at it, certain things have to happen, like this and that, and that it’s a little unfair to the teams. Provide the fan with the greatest World Cup you can put together.”
