BCCI Criticized Over India-Pakistan Women’s T20 World Cup Encounter
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is under fire after India and Pakistan were drawn in the same group for the 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup in England. This decision has sparked sharp criticism, particularly given the recent geopolitical tensions and the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack.
A Clash Amid Political Strife
India and Pakistan’s cricketing ties have long been strained, with no bilateral series since January 2013. The two rivals now only meet at ICC or Asian cricket tournaments, their encounters heavily influenced by political discord and cross-border violence. Following the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam in April, compounded by military confrontations, many expected the BCCI to boycott matches against Pakistan, especially in international competitions.
Controversy Over ICC's Grouping Decision
Despite calls for a boycott, the BCCI has not objected to the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) placement of India and Pakistan in Group 1 of next year’s Women’s T20 World Cup. India and Pakistan are slated to meet at Edgbaston, Birmingham, on June 14, 2026.
It's important to highlight that the ICC organizes such global tournaments, usually aiming to schedule at least one India-Pakistan game per event, given the intense rivalry’s commercial draw. However, this time the ICC president is Jay Shah, former BCCI secretary and son of India’s Home Minister, Amit Shah—suggesting the Group 1 match proceeded with tacit or explicit approval from the BCCI leadership.
Voices From Social Media: Public Outcry and Disbelief
The announcement has been met with widespread disapproval on social platforms. Here’s what some of the critics have voiced:
- Gurkirat Singh Gill commented on the price of nationalism, implying the BCCI’s priorities might be more financial than ideological.
- Utkarsh Vashistha questioned the sincerity of previous assurances to avoid India-Pakistan groupings, calling into question the BCCI’s commitment given recent hostilities.
- Shreya pointed out the disconnect between national sentiment and the BCCI’s willingness to engage with Pakistan in cricket.
- Rajiv reminded that barely two months had passed since the Pahalgam incident, wondering why the BCCI did not oppose the group allocation sooner.
- Delhi Capitals Fan criticized the BCCI and broadcaster Star Sports for prioritizing revenue over national interests.
- Shantanu Kumar lamented society’s quick forgetfulness regarding recent hostility between the two nations.
Upcoming India-Pakistan Women’s Cricket Encounters
Before this T20 World Cup clash, the two teams will also meet in the Women’s ODI World Cup scheduled for October 5 in Colombo. Due to the round-robin format, separating India and Pakistan was not possible. Additionally, Pakistan’s matches will be held in Colombo under the ‘Hybrid Model’ arrangement, ensuring India’s participation in the event while respecting logistical considerations.
The men’s T20 World Cup, jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka and planned for February-March next year, has not yet had its schedule announced. How the cricketing calendar will accommodate Indo-Pak matches remains to be seen.
