Cricket fans have always been passionate, but when it comes to an India vs Pakistan fixture, emotions often spill over. This sentiment was reignited when the ICC announced that the Indian and Pakistani women’s teams would face off in both the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup and the 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup, being grouped together in both events.
While for many, this announcement stirred excitement for yet another edition of one of cricket’s most intense rivalries—especially Indian fans—for some, the decision raised eyebrows and sparked backlash after the recent geopolitical developments between the two countries.
The reactions started pouring in shortly after the groupings were made public. The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 draw sees India in Group A alongside Pakistan, New Zealand, and Australia, while the ODI World Cup 2025 that is set to be hosted by India also has Pakistan drawn with India. This double draw was seen by some as controversial, particularly in light of ongoing geopolitical tensions and the recent history of strained cricketing ties between the two nations.
Many fans took to social media platforms, calling it a “pre-scripted move,” while others questioned the nationalism sentiment. Some questioned the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)’s role in the decision, even though groupings are decided by the ICC based on ranking and regional considerations. The phrase that headlined after the announcements—“BCCI has had a ‘too soon’ moment”—quickly picked up traction online, alluding to the belief that the timing was insensitive or politically miscalculated.
For many cricket fans, India vs Pakistan remains the biggest match in the world of cricket, regardless of format. The viewership and commercial value of such a fixture are unparalleled, and in women’s cricket, where visibility and financial stakes are still growing, an Indo-Pak contest garners rare global attention. Critics took to social media and posted several opinion pieces:
“BCCI’s nationalism has a cost. I thought the cost was India v Pakistan matches at Men’s ICC events given the revenue it generates, but the cost of BCCI’s nationalism is much lower.”
“Come on BCCI for once come out of your gold coffers and think of the nation. Understand the sentiment. Instead of blocking Pakistan from world cricket, you decided to play them? All that power and can’t arm twist when needed?”
“So it’s not even been 2 months since the Pahalgam attack which almost caused an all-out war with Pakistan and here BCCI again didn’t oppose ICC for putting India in the same group with Pakistan???? I still remember there was news after the Pahalgam attack that India will tell ICC to not put India and Pakistan in the same group and here we are. All BCCI cares about is money & that is why we always see Pakistan and India in the same group. BCCI is by far the most powerful board and I refuse to believe that they can’t tell ICC to not always put us in the same group with Pakistan. Just shameful!!”
Still, some users celebrated the decision, excited by the growing narrative of women’s cricket reaching parity with men’s cricket in terms of fanfare.
“Why not? Let’s have the biggest rivalry on the biggest stages. These girls deserve the spotlight too.”
This situation also reignited political undertones that the country is currently clad in. Given the strained relationship between the two countries, every India vs Pakistan game becomes more than just sport; it becomes a matter of national pride, diplomacy, and sometimes even a controversial story. The scheduling of two such high-profile encounters in consecutive ICC women’s events has drawn both scrutiny and satire.
Despite the noise, players from both sides have often shown mutual respect on and off the field. While fans may be split on the decision, most now agree that the spotlight should shift to the athletes. The upcoming fixtures will offer players from both countries the chance to showcase their talent, inspire millions, and take women’s cricket to new heights.
As the countdown to these tournaments begins, one thing remains clear: all eyes will be on the women who carry the hopes of two cricket-obsessed nations.
