Lloyd expressed his strong opposition to the practice of continually grouping India and Pakistan together at major events merely for the sake of show.
The bilateral cricket series between India and Pakistan has stopped since 2012-13. Due to political differences between India and Pakistan, both countries no longer play bilateral series. For the last 10 years, both teams have faced each other only in ICC events.
In the ODI World Cup 2023, Pakistan came to India to participate in the tournament. But let us tell you that India never goes to Pakistan and their tournaments are played at neutral venues. The Champions Trophy will be played in the year 2025 which is to be hosted by Pakistan, but BCCI has proposed a neutral venue.
But have you ever wondered why India and Pakistan remain in the same group in every ICC event. It is a matter of thought, let us tell you that there is a pattern behind this which has been cracked by former English cricketer and famous commentator David Lloyd.
Are India vs Pakistan matches and full fixtures fixed?
Lloyd expressed his strong opposition to the practice of continually grouping India and Pakistan together at major events simply for the sake of show.
Along with this he has said that fixing is done in the fixtures. He also said that all the matches of India are scheduled during prime-time so that Indian fans can watch the matches comfortably. India has not played a single night match. Which he considers unfair to other teams.
Along with this, he has said that some teams are being given 2-3 days time between matches while some teams are not able to rest properly even for 1 day. What he means to say is that ICC is deliberately making such schedules which are dangerous for cricket.
Lloyd told talkSPORT.
“You just talked about the freedom of fixtures. We talk a lot about fixing in cricket. But fixing does happen. Don’t just watch the match, manipulating the schedule to suit your own convenience is also a form of fixing.”
“Fans are eager to watch a match between the two countries so we will make the fixtures accordingly, doing this is nothing but fixing. In this particular World Cup, you are just trying to manipulate. This is absolutely wrong.”