The PCB (Pakistan Cricket Board) requesting for clarification from the ICC regarding India’s refusal to participate in the upcoming Champions Trophy in Pakistan. Pakistan search for reasons behind India’s decision of not participate in the Champions Trophy, potentially impacting the tournament’s future. Choices include a hybrid model or relocation of tournament, with the UAE and South Africa as potential choices.
After reports of Pakistan who is hosting Champion trophy consideration over the option of withdrawing from next year’s Champions Trophy if the tournament is taken away from the Pakistan following India’s throw out the participation in Champion Trophy. Fresh developments propose that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) will write to the International Cricket Council (ICC) telling for reasons behind India’s decision.
As per report in ‘ Dawn ‘ a most trusted newspaper in Pakistan, PCB is ” preparing questionnaires” and will ask the ICC to clarify the stand taken by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
Mohsin Naqvi, the Pakistan Cricket Board chairman and who is also an interior minister in the Pakistan federal government, has reportedly denied accepting a hybrid model, which will allow India to play their matches at a neutral venue.
The Dawn recite its source ” As the BCCI has not given any reason behind its decision of not touring Pakistan, the future steps of the PCB to solve the issue can only be taken after knowing those,”
The tournament, which is returning to the ICC calendar after seven years, is scheduled to be played from 19th February 2025 to 9th March 2025.
Another option of playing the tournament in a hybrid setting, ICC can take it out of Pakistan altogether and host it in a different country. Names of UAE and South Africa are doing the rounds if that option is taken.
An earlier report in ‘Dawn’ quoted its source “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,”
Bilateral cricket ties between India and Pakistan have been on hold from last 12 years, since year 2012, although both nations continue to finish against each other in ICC events, with their most recent encounter being at the T20 World cup hosted jointly by the USA and the West Indies last year.
The Indian cricket team last travelled to Pakistan in year 2008.