PCB wants ‘in writing’ that India will not play in Pakistan

Karachi, July 15

The Pakistan Cricket Board wants the BCCI to provide written proof of the Indian government’s denial of permission in case the team refuses to come here for next year’s Champions Trophy citing a travel ban on security grounds, a PCB source has said.

If the India government declines permission, it has to be in writing and it is mandatory for the BCCI to provide that letter to the ICC now. …the BCCI must inform the ICC about its travel plans to Pakistan at least five-six months before the tournament and in writing. A PCB source

The host board also wants the matter to be sorted as soon as possible, given that the tournament is scheduled for February-March.

While a discussion on the ‘hybrid model’ about India playing their games in the UAE is not on the agenda at the ICC annual conference, to be held in Colombo on July 19, the global body as usual has earmarked additional funds in case it becomes a two-country tournament.

“If the India government declines permission, it has to be in writing and it is mandatory for the BCCI to provide that letter to the ICC now,” said the PCB source working closely with the organising committee.

“It is a fact that we are insistent that the BCCI must inform the ICC about its travel plans to Pakistan at least five-six months before the tournament and in writing,” the top PCB source added.

The BCCI has always steadfastly maintained that playing cricket in Pakistan is completely a government call and even the 2023 ODI Asia Cup, which was hosted by PCB, witnessed India playing all their games in Sri Lanka.

The PCB has already submitted its draft schedule to the ICC where all of India’s games including a possible semifinal and final has been scheduled in Lahore. The India vs Pakistan marquee match has been scheduled for March 1.

The tournament will start in Karachi on February 19 and conclude with the final in Lahore on March 9. The final will have a reserve day — March 10 — in case of inclement weather. A few matches will be held in Rawalpindi too.

If the BCCI sources are to be believed, at this point there is no chance of the Indian team travelling to Pakistan, and knowing fully well, the ICC has allocated additional budget for any exigency 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.