NEWS
Follow UsAccording to a PTI report, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has asked the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to provide written proof of the Indian government's denial of permission in case the Indian team refuses to travel to Pakistan for the 2025 Champions Trophy.
"If the India government declines permission, it has to be in writing and it is mandatory on the BCCI to provide that letter to the ICC now," the 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 plans to Pakistan at least 5-6 months before the tournament and in writing. 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 PCB wants the decision to be made as soon as possible. The tournament will start in Karachi on February 19 and end in Lahore on March 9. The final will have a reserve day - March 10. A few matches will also be held in Rawalpindi.
Even when Pakistan hosted the 2023 Asia Cup, India played their matches in Sri Lanka and a similar ‘Hybrid Model’ could be followed for next year’s Champions Trophy as well. “We haven’t had the conversation yet (regarding the Champions Trophy). But it’s (hybrid model) a possibility if you look back at history,” an ICC functionary told RevSportz.
There have been reports suggesting that there’s no chance India will travel to Pakistan. Meanwhile, the PCB has already submitted its draft schedule to the ICC. All of India’s matches, including the semi-final and final, will be played in Lahore.
(With inputs from PTI)
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