The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is urging the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to provide written confirmation from the Indian government if they decide not to send their team to Pakistan for the 2025 Champions Trophy, citing security concerns and travel restrictions. According to a source familiar with the PCB’s organizing committee, as reported by the Press Trust of India (PTI), the PCB wants swift resolution of the matter, especially with the tournament scheduled for February-March.
While the ICC annual conference in Colombo on July 19 does not include discussions on the ‘hybrid model’ or India playing matches in the UAE, the global cricket governing body has set aside additional funds in case the tournament needs to be held across two countries.
“If the Indian government denies permission for their team to travel to Pakistan, it must be communicated in writing, and it is mandatory for the BCCI to provide this letter to the International Cricket Council (ICC) now,” the PCB source emphasized.
The BCCI has consistently maintained that decisions regarding playing cricket in Pakistan are entirely at the discretion of the Indian government. For instance, during the 2023 ODI Asia Cup hosted by the PCB, India played all their matches in Sri Lanka under a ‘hybrid model’.
The PCB has already submitted its provisional schedule to the ICC, including plans for all of India’s matches, including a potential semi-final and final, to be held in Lahore. The highly anticipated India vs Pakistan match is slated for March 1.
The tournament is set to begin in Karachi on February 19 and culminate with the final in Lahore on March 9, with March 10 reserved as a contingency day in case of adverse weather conditions. Some matches will also be held in Rawalpindi.
According to BCCI sources, there is currently no indication that India’s team will travel to Pakistan. The ICC has prepared a budgetary provision for alternative arrangements if necessary, which includes playing certain matches outside Pakistan, as confirmed by the source.
