Former England cricket captain Michael Atherton has suggested that the International Cricket Council (ICC) should refrain from organizing matches between Pakistan and India in future global tournaments.
Atherton said he made the recommendation after observing the tensions that arose during the Asia Cup, emphasizing that the ICC should avoid scheduling fixtures between the two countries during its events.
He acknowledged that financial and diplomatic motives often drive ICC to include Pakistan-India contests, but argued that it is time to move past this perception, given the worsening relations between the two nations.
Atherton admitted that these high-profile matches have a major financial impact, noting that the current broadcast rights cycle is estimated to be worth around $3 billion, largely due to the India-Pakistan clash.
He added that what was once considered “cricket diplomacy” has now turned into a proxy for border tensions and propaganda.
Atherton further stated that there is little justification for arranging such encounters apart from financial gain, and called for greater transparency in future tournament draws.
