Introduction to the Conflict
India and Pakistan are involved in conflicts in Kashmir, a controversial territory between the two countries. Parts of Kashmir are controlled by India, Pakistan, and China. India has carried out air strikes targeting militant groups in the region in the past few days. Pakistan described this as an "act of war" and has vowed to take revenge. Both sides have started attacks since then.
History of the Conflict
The current flashpoint began in April when 40 Indian troops were killed in an attack. However, the region has been a point of contention for centuries, which ultimately led to the current three-way administration. The conflict has been ongoing for years, with both countries having different claims over the territory.
Impact on Cricket
The conflict has also affected the cricket world, particularly the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the Pakistan Super League (PSL). The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) postponed the IPL for at least a week when the conflict escalated. The BCCI stated that it has "full trust in the strength and capabilities of our armed forces" and that the decision was made in the "collective interest of everyone involved."
IPL and PSL Updates
The IPL was initially postponed, but it was later announced that the competition would resume on May 17. The number of venues was reduced from nine to six, with games in Punjab, Chennai, and Hyderabad being moved to other venues. The final was rescheduled to June 3, which may result in some international stars leaving the IPL before the tournament ends.
Similarly, the PSL was also affected, with the Pakistani Cricket Board initially deciding to move the remaining eight games of its tournament to the United Arab Emirates. However, the decision was later made to suspend the competition altogether. The PSL is now scheduled to end a week later than originally planned.
Cricket Outside of IPL and PSL
The conflict has also had an impact on cricket outside of the IPL and PSL. Relations between the two countries mean that their teams do not compete against each other outside of global events organized by the International Cricket Council (ICC). The last time the men’s teams met in a test match was in 2007. The current conflict has also led to some players being blocked on social media, including Indian players blocking Pakistani players and vice versa.
Future Matches
The next scheduled meeting between the two teams is at the Twenty20 World Championship in 2026. The ICC has already decided that games between the two sides up to at least 2027 should take place at neutral venues. However, the future of cricket relations between the two countries remains uncertain, with some calling for a complete boycott of matches between the two teams.
Upcoming Matches
The upcoming 50-over World Cup of women in September, which is being hosted by India, may be a test of the cricket relations between the two countries. Pakistan has qualified for the tournament, and the round-robin system in the group phase means that the countries will have to face each other, albeit on neutral soil. The outcome of this match may give an indication of where the cricket relationships between the two countries are headed in the coming months and years.
