Picture Credit: X
With a lot brewing over India’s participation in the upcoming Champions Trophy, in the latest turn of events, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reportedly demanded a written proof from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on government’s denial to travel to Pakistan. India’s near neighbours, Pakistan is set to host the 2025 edition of the Champions Trophy in February - March, which returns after a gap of eight years.
However, there hasn’t been any clarity on India’s participation, the BCCI confirmed that it lies in the hands of Indian government, which reportedly have denied due to security concerns. In the wake of the same, the PCB has now opened up to share a proof in form of a written document.
“If the Indian government declines permission, it has to be in writing and it is mandatory on the BCCI to provide that letter to the ICC now,” a PCB source working closely with the organising committee told PTI. “It is a fact that we are insistent that the BCCI must inform the ICC about its travel plan to Pakistan at least 5-6 months before the tournament and in writing,” the source added.
ICC annual conference in Colombo to hold discussion on India’s participation
Although the topic of hosting the 2025 Champions Trophy in a Hybrid Model is nowhere to be seen as the host nation, Pakistan has made things clear, but the BCCI is keen to move India matches out of Pakistan, either to Sri Lanka or UAE. The international body is set to hold the annual conference in this regard on July 19 in Colombo.
Moreover, it is to be noted that the ICC has set aside some extra expense in case the competition splits in two countries. “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 BCCI source was quoted by TOI.
