The PCB wrote to the ICC and asked them to provide written confirmation from the BCCI that they would not be able to play the Champions Trophy in Pakistan, as well as to give the reason why.
The PCB was informed last Friday by the ICC that the BCCI had not received permission from the Indian government for the Indian team to travel to Pakistan for the tournament, which is scheduled to be held at three venues in Pakistan from from February 9. But the PCB wants a written statement from the BCCI stating that they cannot attend, as well as the justification for why they cannot attend.
This communication from the ICC came three days before what would have been the official launch event of the tournament in Lahore, starting a 100-day countdown. Instead, the event was postponed, with uncertainty now swirling around the eight-team tournament.
The PCB’s position at the moment remains unchanged: the entire tournament will be played in Pakistan, with a senior PCB official reiterating to PK Press Club that there is “no chance” of a hybrid model being considered. Such a model, used once for the Asia Cup in 2023, would allow India to play its matches outside Pakistan. There has been speculation that the UAE would be used as a second venue in this case, but the PCB has clearly ruled out this hypothesis. The tournament is scheduled to be played in Lahore, Karachi and Rawalpindi between February 19 and March 9.
One of the reasons the CPC is standing firm at this time is because it feels aggrieved by the events of the last year. After being forced to use a hybrid model to host the Asia Cup, Pakistan agreed to travel to India for the World Cup. This decision was taken after consultation with the government and permission was ultimately granted – despite considerable opposition – in the hope that it would lead to India reciprocating by going for the Champions Trophy.
The same government remains in place in Pakistan and Mohsin Naqvi, a senior official in the country as interior minister, is now chairman of the PCB.
The PCB also pointed out that the tournament was awarded to Pakistan three years ago and no objections were raised then, nor have they been raised since. The PCB reportedly provided a progress report at the ICC board meetings in October, including plans to continue with the 100-day launch event on November 11, with no concerns raised. was raised.
The ICC has been contacted for comment.
