The PCB would want a proper documented assurance from the BCCI that their government is not permitting the Indian team to travel to Pakistan due to security concerns if they do not want to come for next year’s Champions Trophy, a source in the Pakistan Cricket Board has told PTI. The host board wants the controversy sorted out quickly as the Champions Trophy is scheduled for February-March next year.
Although the “Hybrid Model”—by which India has its matches staged in United Arab Emirates—is not scheduled for discussion at the ICC annual conference in Colombo on July 19, extra funds against the possibility of such an eventuality have been kept aside by the international organization in case the tournament needs to be split between two countries.
“If the India government declines permission, it has to be in writing and it is mandatory on the BCCI to provide that letter to the ICC now,” the PCB source working closely with the organizing committee told PTI. “It is a fact that we are insistent that the BCCI must inform the ICC about its travel plans to Pakistan at least 5-6 months before the tournament and in writing,” the top PCB source also stated.
Even during the PCB-hosted 2023 ODI Asia Cup, where India played all their matches in Sri Lanka using a “Hybrid Model,” the BCCI has made it clear time and again that playing cricket in Pakistan is totally dependent on government decision.
The PCB has already submitted its draft schedule to the ICC, which includes all of India’s games with a potential semifinal and final slotted in Lahore. The tiff between the arch-rivals India and Pakistan will take place on March 1. This tournament is set to start on February 19 in Karachi and will finish on March 9 in Lahore with the final. If there is bad weather, March 10 will be taken as a reserve date for what would have been the final game. There will also be a couple of games in Rawalpindi.
BCCI sources have confirmed that there are no chances of touring Pakistan at the moment, and the ICC has made a provision for additional money in case any contingency plans have to be made. “The ICC Management is recommending additional costs just in case it is necessary to play some matches outside Pakistan if such a situation arises later on,” the source confirmed.
