The Pakistan Cricket Board will reportedly be requiring that the BCCI provide written confirmation that the Union government has denied permission in case Indian team does not fly to Lahore for next year’s Champions Trophy.
While the annual conference of the International Cricket Council, to be held in Colombo on July 19, does not have any discussion on ‘hybrid model’ floated in the Indian media of India playing their games in the UAE on its agenda, the ICC has earmarked additional funds in case it becomes a two-country tournament, PTI reports.
“If the India government declines permission, it has to be in writing and it is mandatory on the BCCI to provide that letter to the ICC now,” a PCB source working closely with the tournament organizing committee told PTI.
“It is a fact that the 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 further stated.
The BCCI has steadfastly maintained that playing cricket in Pakistan is completely a government call and even the 2023 ODI Asia Cup, which was only notionally hosted by PCB, saw BCCI’s financial clout in international cricket at play with India playing all its games in Sri Lanka.
The PCB has already submitted its draft schedule to ICC where all of India’s games including a possible semi-final and final has been scheduled in Lahore. The India vs Pakistan marquee match has been scheduled for March 1, 2025.
