The uncertainty surrounding Team India’s participation in the ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan next year continues to linger. Reports indicate that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has informed the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) of its reluctance to send the Indian team to Pakistan for the tournament.
BCCI has reportedly expressed its preference for playing its matches in Dubai, a more neutral venue. However, PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi has denied receiving any formal communication from BCCI regarding this matter.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has not set a deadline for declaring the tournament fixtures, but typically announces these details at least three months in advance. BCCI had previously delayed announcing the ODI World Cup fixtures last year due to PCB’s objection to playing in Ahmedabad.
As per standard practice, BCCI must obtain clearance from the Indian government before making any decision on the team’s travel to Pakistan. A BCCI source confirmed that the board’s stance remains unchanged and that it will not make any decision without government approval.
The recent visit of India’s Minister of External Affairs, S Jaishankar, to Pakistan had raised hopes that India might agree to play in Pakistan. However, it is understood that BCCI has consulted with the Indian team management and decided on Dubai as the preferred venue.
PCB had previously agreed to a hybrid model for the Asia Cup in 2023, with India playing all their matches in Sri Lanka. Pakistan also agreed to play India in Ahmedabad during the ODI World Cup.
If BCCI’s stance remains unchanged, PCB may have to escalate the matter to the ICC, where BCCI secretary Jay Shah, who will assume the role of ICC chairman on December 1, will have to make a decision.
Sources indicate that BCCI wants a decision on this issue before Shah takes charge as ICC chairman. If PCB agrees to the hybrid model, it will be interesting to see which venue the ICC suggests for the final.
PCB had reportedly proposed the idea of the Indian team setting up a base in Chandigarh and traveling to Lahore only on match days. However, this idea is considered logistically challenging.
