The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is reportedly preparing to request an explanation from the International Cricket Council (ICC) regarding India’s refusal to participate in the upcoming Champions Trophy, scheduled to be held in Pakistan from February 19 to March 9.
According to sources, the PCB is drafting a questionnaire to seek clarification from the ICC on the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) decision. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has denied accepting a hybrid model that would allow India to play their matches at a neutral venue.
The PCB’s move comes amid reports that Pakistan is considering withdrawing from the tournament if it is moved out of the country. The ICC has the option of hosting the tournament in a different country, with South Africa and the UAE being potential candidates.
The PCB’s decision to seek an explanation from the ICC is seen as an attempt to resolve the issue and ensure Pakistan’s participation in the tournament. The PCB believes that understanding India’s reasons for refusing to tour Pakistan is crucial for determining the next steps.
Bilateral cricket ties between India and Pakistan have been suspended since 2012, although both nations continue to face off in ICC events. The most recent encounter between the two teams was at the T20 World Cup in 2022.
Last year’s Asia Cup, which Pakistan was originally scheduled to host exclusively, adopted a hybrid format due to India’s stance against playing in Pakistan. India’s matches were relocated to Sri Lanka, while Pakistan retained partial hosting rights.
The Indian team last toured Pakistan in 2008. The PCB’s request for an explanation from the ICC is a significant development in the ongoing saga surrounding the Champions Trophy and the strained cricketing relations between India and Pakistan.
