The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) faces a dilemma after India’s refusal to travel to Pakistan for next year’s Champions Trophy. The International Cricket Council (ICC) notified the PCB of India’s decision on Sunday via email, which was then forwarded to the Pakistani government, reportedly prompting considerations of a stern response.
According to Dawn.com, Pakistan is contemplating pulling out of the tournament. PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi has indicated that Pakistan will not propose a hybrid model for the Champions Trophy, and reports suggest the government may advise the PCB to withdraw from the event entirely.
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“In such a case, one of the options the government is mulling is that of asking the PCB to ensure Pakistan don’t participate in the Champions Trophy,” a source informed *Dawn*.
The ICC has assured the PCB that should they agree to a hybrid model, they would still receive the full hosting fee and the majority of matches. “The ICC has told the PCB that if it decides to go ahead with the hosting of the mega event on a Hybrid Model it would get its full hosting fees and majority of the matches,” PTI quoted a source as saying.
If Pakistan withdraws from hosting, however, the ICC may consider relocating the event to South Africa, the source added.
In response, Pakistani media has speculated possible moves, including the Pakistan government potentially advising the PCB to refrain from playing India in ICC and ACC events or the PCB seeking legal recourse against the ICC and BCCI in the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Geneva.
India has not played in Pakistan since the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, with the two nations meeting only in ICC tournaments since then.