The Pakistan Cricket Board has sought clarity from the BCCI on its plans for the ICC Champions Trophy, scheduled to be held in Pakistan in February-March next year. Speculation has been rife that India may not tour Pakistan for the Champions Trophy, putting pressure on the ICC to adopt the hybrid model implemented by the Asian Cricket Council for last year’s Asia Cup.
According to PCB sources, the committee has asked the BCCI to provide written evidence of the Indian government’s refusal to allow them to travel to Pakistan for next year’s Champions Trophy, citing travel ban for security reasons.
The ICC will hold its annual meeting in Colombo on July 19 but a “hybrid model” in which India would host Champions Trophy matches in the UAE is not on the agenda. As always, the ICC has set aside additional funds in case it becomes a bilateral tournament.
“If the Indian government denies permission, it will have to inform them in writing and it is mandatory for the BCCI to submit that letter to the ICC now,” a PCB source who works closely with the organising committee told PTI.
“We have strongly maintained that the BCCI must inform the ICC of their travel plans to Pakistan in writing at least five-six months before the tournament,” a top PCB source said.
The BCCI has been adamant that the reason for travelling to Pakistan to play cricket is entirely a government decision.Last year, India also ruled out travelling to the neighbouring country for the Asia Cup and played all their matches, including the final, in Sri Lanka.
Meanwhile, the PCB has already submitted a draft schedule to the ICC with India in mind. The draft schedule will see India play a series of matches, including the semi-final and final, in Lahore. The high-profile match between India and Pakistan is scheduled for March 1.
The tournament will begin in Karachi on February 19, with the final in Lahore on March 9, with a reserve day on March 10 in case of bad weather. Rawalpindi will also host a few matches.
If BCCI sources are to be believed, there is no possibility of travelling to Pakistan at the moment and the ICC is well aware that they have allocated additional funds in case of any emergency.
“The ICC management has recommended additional funds in case such a situation arises in future and there is a need to play matches outside Pakistan,” the source confirmed.
