(Source X)
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has apparently abandoned its efforts to persuade the BCCI to send the Indian team to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
With hosting rights for the tournament next year, the PCB stands to gain significantly in financial terms. However, its aspirations may face a major setback if India opts not to visit Pakistan. Presently, the situation lacks clarity, but reports strongly suggest that India is highly unlikely to participate in the Champions Trophy across the border.
It appears that the PCB has resigned itself to this outcome and has turned to the ICC in hopes that the international body might intervene with the BCCI. The PCB has already submitted a draft schedule to the ICC, pinning its hopes on the organization to support its cause.
“The PCB now has done what was required of it as hosts of the Champions Trophy. It has submitted the draft schedule and format for the event and also submitted budget for the event,” news agency PTI quoted a PCB insider as saying.
“It is now up to the ICC how soon they circulate, discuss and finalize the schedule of the Champions Trophy. The PCB for its part in the draft schedule has suggested hosting all of India’s games in Lahore including a semi-final (if India qualifies) and final,” he added.
Another insider involved in the process revealed that the PCB has received approval from its government to host India next year.
“The PCB for its part has given in writing to the ICC about the tax modalities, venue selections and clearance from its government for Indian team to be hosted in Pakistan for the mega event,” said the source.
ICC readies for worst-case scenario.
The ICC is set to make efforts to persuade the BCCI to send Team India to Pakistan, while also preparing for contingencies. According to the report, the ICC has allocated additional funds in its tournament budget to cover scenarios where the Indian team might choose not to travel to Pakistan.
The BCCI has consistently reiterated that the decision to tour Pakistan hinges on the Indian government’s stance. Currently, bilateral relations between the BCCI and the PCB remain on hold due to political tensions between the two nations. Since 2008, India has refrained from visiting Pakistan, and prospects for a visit next year seem unlikely.
