The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has informed the International Cricket Council (ICC) that India will not be traveling to Pakistan for the upcoming Champions Trophy. BCCI sources confirmed the update to India Today and said the board will make an official announcement once the tournament schedule is finalized.
The BCCI informed the ICC that the Indian government has advised against the visit to Pakistan for the eight-team competition scheduled from February 19 to March 9 next year.
This means the ICC and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) will now need to come up with an alternative plan. One possibility being considered is a hybrid model, where India will play its matches at a different venue while the rest of the tournament takes place in Pakistan.
PCB’s Response and Possible Solutions
On Friday, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi ruled out the use of a hybrid model, stating there had been no discussions on the subject. However, according to ESPNCricinfo, several contingency plans were already prepared months ago in case a hybrid model was necessary. The UAE, being close to Pakistan, is a strong candidate to host India’s matches, with Sri Lanka also being considered as an alternative venue.
The ICC was informed of BCCI’s position on India’s visit to Pakistan this week, but it’s unclear whether the decision was communicated orally or in writing. It’s possible the ICC is waiting for a formal written statement before relaying this information to the PCB. Naqvi had also emphasized that the PCB would need to receive a written objection from BCCI, which could then be shared with the Pakistani government before a final decision is made.
Naqvi’s comments on India’s participation in Pakistan were firm, as he stated that the PCB would not accept the hybrid model. He also referenced the “great gestures” made by PCB, such as hosting the Pakistan team in India for the ICC Cricket World Cup last year. This tournament was held after India played the 2023 Asia Cup under a hybrid model, with India playing its matches in Sri Lanka, including the final, while the rest of the Asia Cup took place in Pakistan. Naqvi also clarified that any future travel to India by the Pakistan team would be a government decision.
Uncertainty Surrounding the Tournament Schedule
The schedule and ticketing details for the Champions Trophy are still pending from the ICC. According to ESPNCricinfo, an event planned to announce the tournament schedule in Lahore next week may be postponed due to the ongoing discussions.
Since 2008, India has not traveled to Pakistan, following the Asia Cup held there. The two teams last played a bilateral series in 2012-13 in India, and they now mostly meet in ICC tournaments or Asia Cups.
