Photo Credit: Facebook Photo of Pakistan Cricket Team
Tensions between the cricket boards of India and Pakistan have intensified, with reports indicating that Pakistan may consider boycotting future ICC events involving India. This follows the BCCI‘s announcement that India will not travel to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025. The tournament is set to be hosted in Pakistan, with India’s group matches scheduled for Lahore.
India’s decision has sparked a strong response from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and officials in Pakistan, reflecting the deeper political issues that have kept the two nations from playing a bilateral cricket series since 2012.
The BCCI‘s stance has reportedly led the PCB to contemplate significant actions, including withdrawing from future ICC tournaments that feature India. Local sources suggest that the Pakistan government could prevent the PCB from participating in any ICC events from 2024 to 2031 if India refuses to play in Pakistan or if the Champions Trophy is relocated. PCB officials have expressed frustration, emphasizing the importance of India’s participation for the tournament’s credibility.
Former Pakistan cricketer Rashid Latif weighed in, warning that the PCB might take drastic measures if India does not agree to play in Pakistan. “If India doesn’t come this time, Pakistan will take a big step by not participating in the tournament,” Latif said, stressing the importance of India-Pakistan matches for global viewership.
Veteran Pakistani cricket reporter Faizan Lakhani also tweeted about it, stating:
A strong stance from Pakistan: Government sources have confirmed that a decision has been made for Pakistan to avoid playing against India in any event until India agrees to visit Pakistan.
— Faizan Lakhani (@faizanlakhani) November 10, 2024
The ICC recently notified the PCB of India’s decision, prompting the PCB to seek guidance from the Pakistan government. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi mentioned they are waiting for further instructions and criticized India’s proposed “hybrid” model, which suggests moving matches to a neutral venue like Dubai—a solution Pakistan finds unacceptable.
The Champions Trophy will be held in Pakistan across cities like Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi, marking the first major ICC event hosted there in years, which increases the PCB’s desire to maintain the tournament’s original format. The ongoing dispute could have repercussions for future ICC events, which heavily rely on the participation of both India and Pakistan for significant viewership and sponsorship appeal.
The PCB is even considering approaching the Court of Arbitration for Sport if no resolution is reached, underscoring the potential impact on international cricket if the situation remains unresolved.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Stay ahead of the latest cricket industry trends by subscribing to our free cricexec “daily briefing” newsletter.
Name of Author: Cricexec Staff
