The Indian cricket team is set to avoid traveling to Pakistan for next year’s ICC Champions Trophy, as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is pushing for a hybrid model similar to the arrangement seen during the last Asia Cup. Sportstar reports that the BCCI is advocating for India’s fixtures to be played in Sri Lanka or the United Arab Emirates (UAE), rather than in Pakistan.
The BCCI’s decision stems from longstanding security concerns and political tensions between India and Pakistan. India has not sent its cricket team to Pakistan since 2008, despite Pakistan visiting India for a bilateral series in 2012 and participating in ICC events held in India in 2016 and 2023.
A source within the BCCI commented, “Our position on not sending the team to Pakistan remains unchanged due to security and political reasons. We believe that a hybrid model, where India plays its matches in a neutral venue like Sri Lanka or the UAE, is the best solution.”
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had already begun preparations for hosting the Champions Trophy, with preliminary schedules allotting India’s games to be played in Lahore, a move aimed at addressing security concerns. However, the BCCI appears resolute in its decision, signaling that it will formally propose the hybrid model during the International Cricket Council (ICC) meeting in Colombo next week.
A senior PCB official expressed disappointment but acknowledged the BCCI’s stance, stating, “We had made extensive plans to ensure the security and comfort of the Indian team, but we respect their decision and will work with the ICC to find a viable solution.”
The strained cricketing relationship between India and Pakistan has seen limited direct engagement over the past decade. Since 2012, India and Pakistan have faced each other only in ICC tournaments, avoiding bilateral series due to heightened diplomatic tensions. The 2023 Asia Cup had to be conducted in a hybrid model, with Pakistan hosting some matches while India’s fixtures were held in Sri Lanka, setting a precedent for the upcoming Champions Trophy.
The BCCI’s firm stance is likely to influence the ICC’s decision-making process regarding the tournament’s scheduling and logistics. A hybrid model, while logistically challenging, offers a compromise that could ensure the participation of all teams in a safe environment. The ICC will need to weigh the benefits of hosting games in a neutral venue against the complexities and costs associated with such an arrangement.
Cricket fans and stakeholders will keenly watch the developments, hoping for a resolution that maintains the integrity and competitive spirit of the tournament. The decision will not only affect the logistics of the Champions Trophy but also set a precedent for future cricketing events involving India and Pakistan.
