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 a "act of war" and refuses to take revenge. Both sides have started attacks since then.
History of the Conflict
The current flashpoint began in April when 40 tourists in India were killed. But the region has been controversial for centuries, which ultimately led to the currently unpleasant three-way administration.
Impact on Cricket
The conflict has affected 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 published a statement explaining that they had decided to act in the collective interest of everyone involved and expressed their solidarity with the Indian government, the armed forces, and the people of their country.
Changes in IPL and PSL Schedules
The IPL competition was rescheduled to start on May 17, and the number of venues was reduced from nine to six. The games in Punjab, Chennai, and Hyderabad were to be played at other venues, and the final was shifted to June 3. The Pakistan Super League (PSL) was also resumed on May 17 in Pakistan. However, the Pakistani Cricket Board initially decided to move the remaining eight games of its tournament to the United Arab Emirates, citing claims that an Indian drone had fallen into the complex of a stadium before a PSL match.
Effects on Cricket Outside of IPL and PSL
The conflict has had an impact on cricket outside of the IPL and PSL. Relations between the countries mean that the teams, whether men or women, 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 game was in 2007. The current conflict has also affected some players in terms of their social media, with India blocking the reports of current and former Pakistani players.
Future of India-Pakistan Cricket Matches
The cricket relationships between the two countries could be strained even further. The Indian coach Gautam Gambhir said that there should be "nothing between India and Pakistan" until the situation is determined. The next meeting between the two teams is scheduled for 2026 at the Twenty20 World Championship. The ICC has already decided that games between the two sides up to at least 2027 should take place at neutral venues.
Upcoming Matches
The 50-over World Cup of women, which is organized by India in September, will be a test of the cricket relationships 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. What happens to this match can give an indication of where the cricket relationships between the two countries could be headed in the coming months and years.
