The PCB has asked the BCCI to get in writing from the Indian government in case it refuses permission for the Indian team to play in Pakistan. What the PCB wants is if India refuses to visit Pakistan because of security concerns over next year’s Champions Trophy and wants clarity on the same. The demand emphasizes once again the ongoing tensions and clarity needed in international cricket relations.
The PCB is desperate to get the matter resolved as early as possible. The Champions Trophy is slated for February-March, and the host board is keen that all the issues related to logistics and security should be resolved in advance. This reflects the importance of the tournament and the need for smooth planning and execution.
ICC Conference in Colombo
The ICC annual conference will take place in Colombo on July 19. Even though the agenda does not include a discussion on the ‘Hybrid’Model’—India playing its games in the UAE—the global cricket body arranged additional funds in case the mega event has to be held in two countries. This was a kind of preparation, showing the ICC’s readiness for any change.
A PCB source said that it needs written confirmation from the BCCI. If the Indian government does not allow permission for the team to travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy, this has to be conveyed in black and white to the ICC by the BCCI. Written proof is needed so that there are no discrepancies; everything is transparent, and all things can be traced back through proper communication by the cricket boards to the ICC.
According to the PCB, the BCCI is under obligation to inform the ICC regarding its travel plans at least 5–6 months before the commencement of the tournament. This will allow organizers and planners to get on with the event in a timely fashion and make all concerned parties aware of the logistics and possible setbacks in advance, effectively giving them time to adjust.
The BCCI has consistently told them that the decision to play cricket in Pakistan solely rests with the government of India. During the ODI Asia Cup 2023, all Indian games were played in Sri Lanka under a ‘Hybrid Model’. It categorically makes out a case for, in effect, insisting that the consent of the government authorities has to be obtained for any International Cricket tours regarding Pakistan.
This is in complete contrast to the PCB, which has already submitted its draft schedule to the ICC. According to sources, this states that all of India’s games, including a possible semi-final and final, are to be held in Lahore. This also shows that the marquee game between India and Pakistan is in place on March 1. The department and grandeur of the fixture brought finally off the blocks in the tournament.
BCCI Should Seek Official Written Denial for Pakistan Tour
The Champions Trophy is due to kick off in Karachi on February 19 and conclude with the final in Lahore on March 9. There is also a reserve day for the final on March 10, should inclement weather strike. Other matches are due to take place at Rawalpindi, so there should be a good spread of games around major venues in Pakistan.
This is in complete contrast to the PCB, which has already submitted its draft schedule to the ICC. According to sources, this states that all of India’s games, including a possible semi-final and final, are to be held in Lahore.
Sources close to the BCCI said that there are no plans for the Indian team to visit Pakistan as of now. The stand has been continued due to security concerns and government strictures. The BCCI played it carefully as it did in every other case when it came to international tours to Pakistan.
The ICC has made an additional budgetary provision to meet any eventual expenditure in case some of the matches have to be held outside Pakistan. Only this type of contingency planning on the part of ICC will ensure that this premier tournament goes ahead without a hitch, no matter what kind of unpleasant surprises lay in store. That is how complicated and uncertain organizing international cricket tournaments in volatile regions is.
