India vs Pakistan outside ICC events? ICC plans multi-nation series between arch-rivals

The prospect of India and Pakistan sharing the field outside the International Cricket Council (ICC) and Asian Cricket Council (ACC) events is getting closer to reality, as reports have claimed that the governing council has been planning to arrange a multi-nation series between the two sides if they get the nod from the government.  

The two arch-rivals attract a massive fanbase around the world, irrespective of where they play. That always lifts the sports economy in this world whenever required. The last encounter, as of now, between the two sides occurred during the T20 World Cup 2026, which took place at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.

ICC explores tri-nation or four-nation series featuring India and Pakistan at neutral venues

The reports have claimed that the game’s global body has been considering the multi-team event structure that could bring the two neighbours together without any political complications that come with a bilateral series.

The representatives from all 12 member nations and the eight associate nations are going to be together on September 22 and 23 in Dubai for a meeting, which will be based on the structure of international cricket’s schedule going forward.

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The board will be discussing the potential chance of bringing multiple teams together in a single event that gets them more money for the sport than the two-team bilateral series. The question remains whether the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) would give the green light to get the fixtures in place.

From the commercial standpoint, the matches between the two sides will attract extraordinary global interest. Broadcasters, sponsors, and the streaming platforms will fight for the India vs Pakistan games in any way.

Why haven't India and Pakistan played each other outside ICC events since 2012?

The last bilateral series between India and Pakistan was in 2012, when the latter made its trip to the former. Since then, they have faced each other only in ICC events, including the ODI World Cups in 2015 (Adelaide), 2019 (Manchester), and 2023 (Ahmedabad). They also played each other in the T20 World Cups and the ICC Champions Trophy.

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However, due to the recent incidents between the two sides, an agreement was made stating that India and Pakistan would face each other only at neutral venues, even in ICC events, as happened in the T20 World Cup 2026 in Colombo.

England and Australia, meanwhile, are being floated as possible locations for hosting the multi-nation series between two Asian sides. The UAE could also be another option in the entire discussion.