Fresh uncertainty has emerged around the hosting of future ICC tournaments in the Indian subcontinent, with reports suggesting that Australia could be considered as a backup venue for the 2029 Champions Trophy and the 2031 men’s ODI World Cup.
According to reports in Australian media, the International Cricket Council (ICC) is exploring contingency options following recent political and diplomatic tensions that disrupted the ongoing men’s T20 World Cup.
What Triggered the Concern?
The issue escalated when Pakistan reportedly threatened to boycott its high-profile group-stage clash against India in Colombo. The standoff was eventually resolved through urgent discussions involving cricket boards, government officials, and the ICC.
Pakistan’s position was described as a gesture of “solidarity” with Bangladesh after the ICC removed Bangladesh from the T20 World Cup.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board had cited “security concerns” and refused to travel to India, particularly after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) removed pacer Mustafizur Rahman from the IPL 2026 roster. The ICC, however, rejected Bangladesh’s concerns and replaced the team with Scotland in the tournament lineup.
These developments have raised fears within cricket administration circles that Bangladesh could decline future tours to India, potentially impacting upcoming ICC events.
Impact on 2029 and 2031 Tournaments
The 2029 Champions Trophy is scheduled to be hosted in India, while the 2031 ODI World Cup is planned as a joint event between India and Bangladesh.
If Bangladesh were to refuse participation or hosting commitments, it could complicate logistics and tournament scheduling. Additionally, the BCCI’s stance on future travel to Bangladesh remains unclear, further contributing to uncertainty.
Although no formal decision has been announced, ICC officials are reportedly assessing alternative venues as a precautionary measure.
Why Australia Is Being Considered
Australia is seen as a strong fallback option due to its proven track record in hosting major ICC events. The country successfully organised the 2015 ODI World Cup and the 2022 T20 World Cup.
Its time zone alignment with South Asian broadcast markets also makes it commercially viable for global television audiences.
However, awarding additional tournaments to Australia may present scheduling challenges. Australia and New Zealand are already set to co-host the 2028 men’s T20 World Cup. Granting further events in quick succession could raise concerns about regional balance in ICC allocations.
Bigger Picture: Sport Meets Politics
While India remains the financial powerhouse of global cricket and a frequent ICC host, the recent diplomatic friction between India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh highlights how geopolitical issues can influence sporting decisions.
The ICC’s reported contingency planning does not necessarily mean that India will lose hosting rights. Instead, it reflects a risk-management approach aimed at safeguarding global events from political disruptions.
For now, the 2031 ODI World Cup remains officially scheduled for India and Bangladesh. But behind the scenes, the ICC appears to be preparing for all possibilities.
Originally published on 24×7-news.com.
