Jay Shah of BCCI and Mohsin Naqvi of PCB are set to face off in the ICC AGM which will take place in Sri Lanka between July 19-22. It is reported that India is set to inform the ICC of their inability to send the team to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and propose a hybrid model.
Pakistan is set to host the Champions Trophy in February-March next year, but the issue is with India’s constant refusal to tour the country for cricket. India last visited Pakistan in 2008 and since then has avoided sending the team for bilateral series or Asia Cup citing the Indian government’s refusal to issue permission.
As per the Times of India report, India's reluctance to travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy is not on the AGM's agenda but it is likely to be taken up by both BCCI and PCB in the 'any other business' category.
BCCI is likely to cite government approval as the reason behind India's inability to send its team to Pakistan for the marquee event in February next year. Champions Trophy 2025 will start in Karachi on February 19 and conclude with the final in Lahore on March 9.
As per the initial schedule released by PCB, India has all its league matches in Lahore. They are slated to face Bangladesh on February 20, New Zealand on February 23, and Pakistan on March 1.
As per BCCI sources, there is no chance of India traveling to Pakistan and with this knowledge, ICC has allocated an additional budget for any exigency plan. If India does no travel to Pakistan then BCCI might propose to host the tournament in a 'hybrid model' where India plays their matches in the UAE.
"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,” a source told PTI.
However, the PCB is ready to oppose any such proposals from BCCI to move the tournament away from Pakistan.
“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 top PCB source told PTI.
