NEW DELHI, July 15: Even as the Pakistan Cricket Board has demanded the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to provide written proof of the Indian government’s denial of permission for the cricket team to travel to Pakistan to participate in the Champions’ Trophy, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has already allocated extra budget if the tournament has to be held on hybrid model.
The BCCI had informed the ICC that India was unlikely to travel to Pakistan in the absence of permission from the Central government and had suggested that the Indian matches be held either in Sri Lanka or in Dubai.
The PCB sources said on Monday that it wanted the ICC to settle the issue at least five to six months in advance given that the tournament is scheduled in February-March, 2025. “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,” the PCB source said.
“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 sources added.
The host Board also wants the matter to be sorted as soon as possible pointing out that the ICC annual conference to be held in Colombo on July 19 doesn’t have any discussion on its agenda on ‘Hybrid Model’ about India playing their games outside the host country Pakistan. But the global body as usual has earmarked additional fund in case it becomes a two-country tournament.
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 its games in Sri Lanka based on ‘Hybrid Model’.
The PCB has already submitted its draft schedule to ICC where all of India’s games including a possible semi-final and final have been scheduled in Lahore. The India vs Pakistan marquee match has been scheduled on 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 BCCI sources are to be believed, at this point there is no chance of 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.
(Manas Dasgupta)
