(Credit Reuters)
Amid discussions surrounding India potentially declining to travel to Pakistan for the 2025 Champions Trophy, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is said to be requesting the BCCI to furnish written confirmation that their government has officially withheld permission for the team to cross the border.
India’s last visit to Pakistan dates back to the 2008 Asia Cup, with bilateral series between the two nations ceasing since 2012. Sporting encounters between India and Pakistan are now limited to ICC and regional tournaments due to diplomatic tensions.
In a similar instance last year, when the BCCI opted out of sending its team to Pakistan for the Asia Cup, the tournament was conducted in a Hybrid format, with India playing all matches in Sri Lanka.
Reports suggest that the BCCI has approached the ICC to consider implementing a Hybrid Model for the upcoming Champions Trophy as well.
“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 organizing committee told news agency PTI.
“It is a fact that the 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 PCB source added.
Meanwhile, the ICC has reportedly earmarked extra funds for the Champions Trophy in anticipation of the possibility of matches being relocated from Pakistan.
“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.
The BCCI has previously asserted that the decision to send a team to Pakistan rests entirely with the Indian government.
The Champions Trophy is set to make a comeback after an eight-year hiatus, with Pakistan, the defending champions, hosting the tournament for the first time ever. A preliminary schedule of the event has already been submitted to the ICC, featuring India and Pakistan placed in the same group.
The tournament is scheduled to take place from February 19th to March 9th.
