India and Pakistan face off in the opening match of the T20 World Cup in Australia amid ongoing off-field tensions between the two countries’ cricket governing bodies.

Although both groups of players enjoy friendly relations on the pitch, matches are often used as part of a larger game of political chess between the Cricket Control Board in India (BCCI) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), as highlighted in the final run of the 2023 Asian Cup.

The BCCI said on Tuesday that it would not be traveling to Pakistan for this competition and in response, PCB says may boycott World Cup 50+ in India late next year.

The BBCI’s comments drew criticism from former Pakistan players, with Waqar Younis accusing the governing body of trying to “harm Pakistan”, while Wasim Akram told A Sport that “India cannot dictate how Pakistan will play cricket”.

Asked about the issue ahead of Sunday’s game, India captain Rohi Sharma said his side were not worried “about what happens next”.

“There’s no point in thinking about it. BCCI will make a decision on this matter. We are focused on how we have to be very ready for the game (Sunday).”

Since 2008, the two countries have played only one bilateral series, with Pakistan visiting India in December 2012.

This series follows the attack on the Sri Lankan national team in Lahore in 2009 which led to the suspension of the tour to Pakistan, who were also stripped of their duties as co-hosts of the 2011 World Cup, which was to be played across India. subcontinent.

The two sides faced off in the semi-finals of the tournament, and it was used as an opportunity for diplomacy with then Pakistani Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani invited to watch alongside Prime Minister Monmohan Singh, then Indian minister.

Pakistan and India reached an agreement to play six bilateral rounds over eight years in June 2014, but the deal fell through a year later.

Last year, Australia and England both played a draw in Pakistan, but there seems to be no sign of India visiting their neighbours.

Political tensions have not subsided over the past decade and meetings between the two teams have been limited to tournaments, with both teams placed in the same group at the last five T20 World Cups and the previous two competitions. Trophee des Champions semifinals and finals.

India has dominated the last game of the tournament, with Pakistan winning just one match – at last year’s T20 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates.

Sunday’s clash will be the 14th time India and Pakistan have met at a World Cup of any format, but recent disagreements over the 2023 Asian Cup have overshadowed the draw, which falls on the second day of Diwali, the Hindu festival. lamp.

Against this tense backdrop, thousands of fans hope to catch a glimpse of one of cricket’s biggest rivalries at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Sunday, October 23 08:30

“The big one is coming to town”

Sunday’s heavyweight clash is, unsurprisingly, one of the most anticipated contests of the tournament’s Super 12 round and there will be no free seats at home.

“India v Pakistan is huge,” said former Australia international Mel Jones in the official ICC pre-tournament video. “I remember when tickets went on sale in Australia, it was 4-5 minutes, and they were all sold out.

“It makes everyone in Australia say, ‘oh okay [the World Cup] is coming’, big boys are coming to town.”

Generations of Indian and Pakistani fans who call Australia home will pack the iconic MCG on Sunday, while millions will likely watch at home. The recent Asian Cup match attracted more than 225 million digital viewers.

“It’s my first World Cup as captain, so I’m really happy and every time we play against Pakistan it’s always a blockbuster,” Sharma told the ICC. “You feel the atmosphere more than anything else.”

Pakistan captain Babar Azam added: “Every game against India is always a high-intensity competition. Fans are also waiting for them. On the pitch, we took advantage of it a lot and gave 100% of our ability.”

With rain expected to disrupt the game, both teams will be looking to stage their tournament with a flyer, and what better way to build momentum than beating your toughest rival.