Former England cricket captain Michael Atherton has urged the International Cricket Council (ICC) to reconsider the scheduling of Pakistan-India matches in its global tournaments. He stated that the contests, once a symbol of sports diplomacy, have now turned into a “proxy for border tension” between the two nations.
Referring to past events like the Asia Cup, Michael Atherton emphasized the need to end the perception that economic or political motives influence the scheduling of these high-profile matches. He noted that the rivalry, instead of promoting healthy competition, now reflects the ongoing political strain between Pakistan and India.
“The time has come to end this impression,” said Atherton, pointing out that deteriorating relations between the two countries have overshadowed the sporting spirit these matches once represented.
Atherton also shed light on the financial influence behind the continuation of these fixtures. He explained that the Pakistan-India matches generate massive revenue for the ICC due to their global appeal. According to him, the broadcasting rights for these encounters are worth nearly $3 billion, making them one of the most profitable events in international cricket.
“This match in ICC events has a major financial impact — perhaps that’s why it keeps happening,” Michael Atherton remarked, suggesting that commercial interests have taken priority over the game’s original purpose.
The former captain further reflected on how cricket, once a tool for diplomacy, has now become a reflection of political propaganda and tension. “Cricket was once seen as a means of diplomacy, but now it acts as a platform for political narratives,” he said.
Atherton concluded by urging the ICC to ensure transparency in its tournament draws. He said that if Pakistan and India do not meet naturally in the fixtures, “then so be it,” emphasizing fairness over financial or political motives.
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