The PCB has written to the ICC and asked them to provide a written confirmation from the BCCI that they cannot play the Champions Trophy in Pakistan as well as giving a reason for it.
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, scheduled to be played at three venues in Pakistan from February 9. inform the BCCI in writing that they cannot attend, as well as the justification for doing so.
The ICC’s communication came three days before what would have been the tournament’s official launch event in Lahore, beginning a 100-day countdown. Instead, the event was postponed, with uncertainty hanging over 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 ESPNcricinfo that there is “no chance” of a hybrid model being considered. Such a model, used once in the 2023 Asia Cup, would allow India to play away from Pakistan. There has been speculation about using the UAE as a second venue in this case, but the PCB has unequivocally ruled out that possibility. The tournament is scheduled to be played in Lahore, Karachi and Rawalpindi between February 19 and March 9.
One of the reasons the PCB is standing strong at the moment is because it feels aggrieved by the events of the past year. After being forced to use a hybrid model to host the Asian Cup, Pakistan agreed to travel to India for the World Cup. This decision was taken after consultation with the government and permission was finally granted – despite considerable opposition – in the hope that it would prompt India to reciprocate by visiting the Champions Trophy.
The same government remains in office in Pakistan and Mohsin Naqvi, an important figure in the country as the country’s interior minister, is now the chairman of the PCB.
The PCB also highlighted that the tournament was awarded to Pakistan three years ago and no objections were raised then, or have been raised since. The PCB is believed to have provided a progress report at the ICC board meetings in October, including the intention to proceed with the 100-day launch event on November 11, without any concerns being raised.
The ICC has been approached for comment.
Source link
