Champions trophy: Play in Pakistan and return home same day, PCB’s proposal for India
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reached out to the BCCI and proposed an arrangement, allowing India to return to either New Delhi or Chandigarh in between matches during the Champions Trophy next year if the team is not willing to stay in Pakistan due to security reasons.
The PCB has “verbally” suggested to the BCCI that the Indian team can set up camp in either New Delhi or Chandigarh/Mohali and use chartered flights to travel to Lahore for their matches. A PCB source though confirmed that the board had not made any suggestions in writing to their Indian counterparts.
“It is true that these options have been discussed verbally between officials as a way to ensure that India play their matches in Pakistan,” the source said.
The Champions Trophy is slated to take place from February 19 to March 9, with matches scheduled in Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Karachi. Due to its proximity to the Indian border and logistical ease, the PCB has planned India’s matches in Lahore.
India’s three group-stage matches in the tournament are slated for February 20 (against Bangladesh), February 23 (against Pakistan), and March 2 (against New Zealand).
The ICC is considering a hybrid model for the tournament, with some matches played outside of Pakistan. The hybrid model is being considered due to India’s unlikely participation in the tournament, as they have not toured Pakistan since 2008. The ICC is exploring alternative venues, such as Dubai and Sri Lanka, to host the matches.
The PCB is mentally prepared for India’s refusal to travel to the country for the event but it won’t move the title clash of the tournament from Lahore even if the arch-rivals qualify for the final on March 9. The ICC board members meet in Dubai on October 18-21.
