Atherton Slams ICC Over Pakistan-India Scheduling

News Desk 

London: Former England cricket captain Michael Atherton has urged the International Cricket Council (ICC) to reconsider scheduling Pakistan-India fixtures during its global tournaments, arguing that the contests have become a reflection of political tension rather than sporting rivalry.

In a recent statement, Atherton said that matches between the two cricketing giants, once hailed as symbols of sports diplomacy, have now turned into “a proxy for border tension” between the neighboring countries.

‘Time to End Impression’

Referring to the controversies that surrounded the Asia Cup, Atherton said it was time to end the perception that economic and diplomatic factors dictate the scheduling of Pakistan-India encounters.

“The time has come that this impression should end due to the decline in relations between the two countries,” he stated, adding that the matches no longer represent healthy competition but instead mirror strained political realities.

Financial Influence on Fixtures

Atherton noted that Pakistan-India matches have a major financial bearing on ICC tournaments, with broadcast rights for these fixtures reportedly valued at around $3 billion, making them among the most lucrative spectacles in international cricket.

“This match in ICC events has a big financial impact — perhaps that’s why it keeps happening,” Atherton remarked, suggesting that commercial interests have overshadowed sporting integrity.

Cricket as a Proxy for Tension

The former England captain also lamented that cricket, once viewed as a tool for diplomacy, has now become a stage for political posturing and propaganda.

“Cricket was once seen as a vehicle for diplomacy but now it is clearly a proxy for tension and propaganda,” he said, urging the ICC to ensure greater transparency in its tournament draws.

Atherton concluded by saying that if Pakistan and India do not naturally meet in ICC events, “then so be it,” implying that forced scheduling for financial gain should no longer be justified.