To keep the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan, the PCB has reportedly demanded the BCCI to show written proof from the Indian government not permitting them if India doesn’t travel next year for the multi-team event.
The Champions Trophy 2025 is the first ICC event that Pakistan will host after the 1996 World Cup and will begin on February 19 in Karachi and end on March 9 in Lahore with the final. In the event of bad weather, March 10 will serve as a backup date for the final match.
The PCB has already submitted a draft schedule to the ICC which sees India playing all of its matches in Lahore’s Gaddi Stadium including the India v Pakistan match on March 1.
Meanwhile, reports have suggested that BCCI has requested the ICC to look into a hybrid model for the Champions Trophy with UAE or Sri Lanka hosting India’s matches, and possibly the semi-final and the final if India qualifies.
India has not toured Pakistan since the 2008 Asia Cup. BCCI has consistently maintained that the issue of the Indian team traveling to Pakistan is a matter that the Indian government will decide.
Even at the PCB-hosted 2023 ODI Asia Cup, where India played all of their matches in Sri Lanka using a "Hybrid Model," the BCCI has consistently maintained that playing cricket in Pakistan is solely a matter of government decision.
PCB is also in favor of finding a quick solution because the event is slated for February- March.
"If the Indian government declines permission, it has to be in writing and the BCCI must provide that letter to the ICC now. It is a fact that 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 told PTI.
According to BCCI sources, there is currently no possibility of visiting Pakistan, and as far as we know, the ICC has set aside extra funds for any contingency plan.
"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.
(PTI inputs)
