The International Cricket Council (ICC) is considering the option of shifting the future global tournaments out of India due to the ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan, The Age reported on Tuesday (February 17).

According to the publication, the apex body is contemplating moving the 2029 Champions Trophy and the 2031 ODI World Cup out of India to avoid logistical complications arising from India and Pakistan’s refusal to play in each other’s countries.

The report further claimed that Australia — which previously hosted the ODI World Cup in 2015 and the T20 World Cup in 2022 — has emerged as the frontrunner to host the marquee events.

Last year, India and Pakistan had signed a deal with the ICC agreeing not to play in each other’s countries during global tournaments. The hybrid model was adopted after India refused to travel across the border for the 2025 Champions Trophy. As things stand, the arrangement, which was earlier made till 2027, could be extended to future competitions as well.

It is pertinent to mention here that Bangladesh also refused to travel to India for the ongoing Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. As BCB remained firm in its stance, ICC replaced Bangladesh with Scotland in the 20-team tournament. It remains unclear whether India will tour Bangladesh for future bilateral series.

During the Asia Cup 2025, the Indian players refrained from shaking hands with their Pakistani counterparts as the games were played amidst heightened tensions between two nations following the Pahalgam terror attack and retaliatory Operation Sindoor.

The no-handshake policy between two teams continued in the T20 World Cup 2026 Group A clash in Colombo on February 15.

The Age further reported that the ongoing conflict between India, Bangladesh and Pakistan have sparked wider contingency discussions among cricket administrators. The ICC is believed to be preparing backup plans for the upcoming global events if the Asian countries continue to remain at loggerheads.