Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has written to the ICC demanding clarity over India’s refusal to travel to Pakistan.
Recently BCCI wrote an email to the ICC on refusing to play the Champions Trophy in Pakistan which the Sports governing body forwarded to the PCB.
With the speculation arise on the next move, Pakistan Cricket Board has demanded an explanation on India’s stance and also declared that they are not adopting hybrid model.
“Our position on the event is already public: the entire ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will be held in Pakistan. This stance has been made clear, and there is nothing new in this regard,” a PCB source stated.
The PCB’s letter follow notification from the ICC that India would not be travelling to Pakistan for the high profile 50-over tournament, marking the tournament’s return to the cricket calendar after an eight year absence.
The PCB has forwarded the ICC’s communication to the Pakistani government to determine next steps.
The stand between PCB and BCCI has left the future of the Champions Trophy at stake. Pakistan has allocated around INR 17 billion rupees to upgrade stadiums in Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi in preparation for the tournament next year.
Earlier this month, a PCB source told media that pakistan had agreed to host the event in a hybrid model were unfounded. Notably, when Pakistan held the hosting rights for the Asia Cup last year, it accepted a hybrid format where tIndia’s matches are played in Sri Lanka.
PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who previously demanded a formal explanation from the BCCI regarding India’s travel plans, has repeatedly affirmed that Pakistan is determined to host all matches of the Champions Trophy within Pakistan.
With ICC was reportedly set to announce the schedule, without confirmation of the venues, in the second week of November. According to reports, the Champions Trophy is set to be held from February 19 to March 09.
India has not traveled to Pakistan since Asia Cup 2008. India and Pakistan have not met in a bilateral series since 2012-13 season. India have not played bilateral cricket in Pakistan since the 2008 Asia Cup.
With India’s presence is crucial to the commercial success of the ICC event, Pakistan might pull out to shift the event out of the country. The ICC are in talks with the PCB and the other participating Boards to finalise the schedule of the eight team tournament.
