India’s Champions Trophy, World Cup hosting in jeopardy as ICC explores Australia switch after Pakistan chaos: Report

However, according to a report in The Sydney Morning Herald, India risk losing hosting rights for the 2029 and 2031 ICC events following the political turbulence that unfolded during the ongoing T20 World Cup. The report claims the ICC is considering Australia “among alternative options” amid tensions that disrupted tournament planning.

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The unrest reportedly began after the BCCI removed Bangladesh’s Mustafizur Rahman from the IPL roster amid escalating regional tensions in early January. Bangladesh subsequently urged the ICC to shift their World Cup matches out of India citing security concerns, a request the ICC did not uphold. With no resolution in sight, Bangladesh were eventually withdrawn from the tournament, a move that angered Pakistan and led to threats of a boycott.

The boycott threat reportedly placed nearly USD 250 million in broadcast and commercial revenues at risk. After extensive back-channel negotiations, the marquee fixture went ahead as scheduled last Sunday in Colombo, where India registered a 61-run win.

The report further states that the chaos triggered contingency discussions among senior cricket administrators, with alternate host nations being evaluated to prevent similar disruptions in future global events.

Under the current arrangement, India and Pakistan will not host each other’s matches. The same understanding could extend to Bangladesh, although discussions between the BCCI and BCB are yet to take place following Bangladesh’s recent elections.

If tensions continue to affect scheduling certainty and broadcaster commitments, the ICC could consider shifting the 2029 Champions Trophy and the 2031 ODI World Cup (currently earmarked for India and Bangladesh) to Australia, which is already set to co-host the 2028 T20 World Cup alongside New Zealand.

Australia has previously staged high-profile India-Pakistan clashes successfully. The 2015 ODI World Cup match in Adelaide drew 41,587 spectators, while a record 90,293 packed the MCG for their 2022 T20 World Cup encounter. The Australian time zone is also viewed favourably for the subcontinental television market, particularly for prime-time matches.

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