Key facts
- India and Pakistan could meet twice or three times in one World Cup
- Proposed format places both teams in the same group stage
- ICC yet to officially confirm the new structure
- Sri Lanka signals willingness to host India-Pakistan matches
The ICC is exploring a fundamental restructuring of the Cricket World Cup format that could deliver Indian and Pakistani fans the prospect of their teams meeting twice — or possibly three times — in a single tournament, according to reports by The Guardian and Times of India.
Under the proposed format, India and Pakistan would be placed in the same group stage, guaranteeing at least one meeting in the league phase. The structure would then be designed so that a knockout-stage rematch becomes a realistic possibility, with some interpretations suggesting a third encounter could theoretically follow if both sides advance deep into the competition. The exact mechanics of the revised format are still being worked through by ICC officials.
The shake-up would represent one of the most consequential changes to World Cup architecture in years. India versus Pakistan matches are consistently the most-watched cricket fixtures on the planet, routinely drawing television audiences in the hundreds of millions and commanding extraordinary broadcast and sponsorship premiums. Any format that multiplies those encounters carries enormous commercial appeal for the global governing body.
Adding a geopolitical dimension, Sri Lanka's sports minister confirmed separately that the island nation remains willing to host India-Pakistan sporting events, signalling that neutral venues are available should bilateral political tensions require it.
For fans, the prospect of a guaranteed India-Pakistan group clash followed by a potential knockout rematch transforms the World Cup into an event of almost unimaginable magnitude. The ICC is expected to finalise format details ahead of the next major cycle, and selectors, broadcasters and boards alike will be watching closely.