The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is requesting formal documentation from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in the event that the Indian government refuses to provide its players permission to enter the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan.
The Indian government has not sent cricket players to Pakistan for more than 16 years, primarily due to political tensions between the two neighbours. Pakistan was supposed to be the sole host nation for the Asia Cup last year. Nevertheless, India played all of its matches in the island nation of Sri Lanka, which co-hosted the competition.
Again, concerns over the players’ safety may prevent BCCI from receiving the required government authorization to take their squad to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy. If, however, PCB is refused permission to enter Pakistan, they will request official documentation from the BCCI.
Additionally, PCB wants to put an end to the whole ordeal as quickly as possible because the main event is scheduled for February or March. The international cricket governing body, the ICC, has, as usual, set aside additional funds in case it becomes a two-country affair similar to the Asia Cup, even though there will be no discussion on the “Hybrid Model,” which involves India playing their games in the United Arab Emirates, at its annual conference in Colombo on July 19.
India Today cited a PCB source close to the organising committee as stating, “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.”
“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,” a senior PCB official added.
The Men in Blue have no chance of going to Pakistan right now, if BCCI sources are to be believed, and the ICC is aware of this, which is why they have set aside extra money for any last-minute arrangements.
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“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,” a source said.
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