Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) wants the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to provide written proof in case the Indian government denies their players the permission to travel to Pakistan to compete in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
The political tension between the two neighbouring countries is the major reason why the Indian government has refrained from sending their cricketers to Pakistan for more than 16 years. Last year, the Asia Cup was set to be hosted exclusively by Pakistan. However, Sri Lanka co-hosted the tournament and India played all their matches in the Island Nation.
Once again, BCCI might not get the necessary clearance from the government to send their team to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy as there are apprehensions regarding the security of the players. PCB, however, will be seeking written proof from the BCCI if they are denied permission to travel to Pakistan.
PCB also wants to sort out the entire saga as soon as possible, given that the marquee event is set to be held in February-March. While the ICC annual conference to be held in Colombo on July 19 doesn’t have any discussion on the ‘Hybrid Model’, about India playing their games in the UAE on its agenda, the global cricket-governing body as usual has set aside additional funds in case it becomes a two-country affair like the Asia Cup.
“If the Indian government declines permission, it has to be in writing, and it is mandatory on the BCCI to provide that letter to the ICC now,” the PCB source working closely with the organizing committee was quoted as saying by India Today.
“It is a fact that we are insistent that the BCCI must inform the ICC about its travel plans to Pakistan at least 5-6 months before the tournament and in writing,” the top PCB source also stated.
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However, if BCCI sources are to be believed, at this point there is no chance of the Men in Blue traveling to Pakistan, and knowing this well, the ICC has allocated additional budget for any expediency plan.
“The ICC Management is recommending additional costs just in case it is necessary to play some matches outside Pakistan if such a situation arises later on,” the source confirmed.