The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has formally written to the International Cricket Council (ICC) requesting a written confirmation from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) regarding their refusal to travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy, along with a detailed explanation for their decision.
The ICC informed the PCB last Friday that the Indian government has not granted permission for the Indian team to travel to Pakistan for the tournament, which is scheduled to take place across three venues in Pakistan from February 9. However, the PCB insists on receiving a written confirmation from the BCCI regarding their inability to participate, along with a justification.
This communication from the ICC arrived just three days before the official launch event for the Champions Trophy, which was set to begin a 100-day countdown in Lahore. The event has now been postponed, leaving the future of the eight-team tournament in doubt.
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The PCB has made it clear that it stands by its position of holding the entire tournament in Pakistan, with a senior PCB official telling ESPNcricinfo that there is “no chance” of considering a hybrid model, similar to the one used for the Asia Cup in 2023. This model would allow India to play their games outside Pakistan. Despite speculation about the UAE being used as a secondary venue, the PCB has firmly rejected this idea. The tournament is scheduled to take place in Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi from February 19 to March 9.
The PCB is also realizing that with the involvement of the Pakistan government, decisions on hosting and any potential hybrid model will likely not be in their hands, but will instead be managed by the government.
The PCB’s firm stance stems partly from their frustration over last year’s events. Despite being forced to use a hybrid model for the Asia Cup, Pakistan agreed to travel to India for the World Cup after consultation with their government, which ultimately granted permission despite significant opposition. The hope was that India would reciprocate by visiting Pakistan for the Champions Trophy.
The same government remains in place, and Mohsin Naqvi, the country’s interior minister, now serves as the PCB chairman. The PCB has also highlighted that the tournament was awarded to Pakistan three years ago, with no objections raised at that time or in subsequent meetings. In October, the PCB reportedly provided a progress update at ICC board meetings, including plans for the 100-day launch event, without any concerns being raised.
The ICC has been contacted for further comment.