In the 1980s–90s, India and Pakistan set aside political rivalry to challenge the dominance of England and Australia in world cricket.
The ICC was controlled by elite Anglo-Australian powers, with England hosting World Cups and enjoying veto rights.
After India’s 1983 World Cup win, NKP Salve and Pakistan’s Noor Khan joined hands, planting the idea of hosting the World Cup in Asia.
India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka jointly won the 1987 World Cup hosting rights, breaking England-Australia’s long-standing monopoly.
The Reliance Cup 1987 shifted cricket’s power centre to Asia, bringing money, prestige and influence to the subcontinent.
Leaders like Jagmohan Dalmiya strengthened Asian cricket, aiding Bangladesh’s rise and ending the Anglo-Aussie control over the ICC.
Once rivals off the field, India and Pakistan together changed cricket history forever.