Overview

• Atherton’s column, published Oct 5–6, argues that the rivalry has become a proxy for broader tensions and propaganda after the Asia Cup controversies.
• He cites the roughly $3 billion value of ICC broadcast rights for 2023–27 as evidence of the economic pull behind routinely pairing the teams.
• The former captain calls for transparent pre-tournament draws in the next media cycle and says it should be acceptable if India and Pakistan do not meet every event.
• Coverage notes an ‘open secret’ that the sides have been grouped together at all 11 ICC events since 2013 to guarantee at least one marquee game.
• Reports recount no-handshake incidents, provocative gestures, and India declining to accept the Asia Cup trophy, with a similar handshake snub in a Women’s World Cup ODI, while the ICC has not announced any scheduling changes yet.