Speculations are rife that India won't be travelling to Pakistan for the ICC tournament.
The BCCI officials have time and again said that the Indian government will make the final decision on whether the national will travel across the border for the global event.
However, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi recently said he has no doubt that all teams, including India, will come to Pakistan for the showpiece tournament.
"The Indian team should come. I don’t see them canceling or postponing their trip here, and we are confident we will host all teams. The stadiums will be ready to host the matches, and any remaining work will be completed before the tournament," Naqvi said while addressing the media in Lahore.
Amidst all this, legendary spinner Harbhajan Singh has said that Indian players shouldn't travel to Pakistan.
"There are significant safety concerns in Pakistan. I’ve always said, and I still believe, that if there’s no guarantee of safety, our players shouldn’t travel to Pakistan," Harbhajan was quoted as saying by Times of India.
The cricketing ties between India and Pakistan have been fraught with political and security issues since the 2008 Mumbai attack.
While the arch-rivals last played a limited-overs series in 2012, their last meeting in Tests was way back in 2007. In this period, they've only clashed in multi-nation tournaments such as the World Cup and the Asia Cup.
Notably, Pakistan hosted the Asia Cup last year but India played all of their matches in Sri Lanka under a 'hybrid model'.
According to reports, a final decision on the Champions Trophy hosting arrangements is expected in November, with further clarity expected after Jay Shah takes charge as the ICC Chairman on December 1.
Harbhajan lauded Shah for his role in elevating Indian cricket. "Having an Indian representative at the ICC level, especially as the chairman, is a huge achievement. I’m really happy for him and wish him all the success. Under Jay Shah’s leadership, there have been many changes in Team India. Women's cricket, in particular, has received a financial boost thanks to his efforts," he remarked.