The Pakistan Cricket Board is in a difficult position as India has refused to travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy scheduled for February-March next year. The BCCI has firmly stated it will not send Team India to Pakistan due to ongoing political tensions between the two nations. The PCB will attempt to persuade the International Cricket Council to adopt the hybrid model used by the Asian Cricket Council for the Asia Cup last year.
Meanwhile, the PCB has already submitted its draft schedule to the ICC, which includes India’s matches in Pakistan. According to the proposed schedule, India is set to play all its matches in Lahore, including a potential semi-final and final, with the India vs Pakistan marquee match scheduled for March 1. The tournament is slated to begin on February 19 in Karachi, with the final on March 9 in Lahore. However, former PCB chief Khalid Mahmood emphasized that the BCCI, being the wealthiest cricket board, holds significant influence, and there is little chance of India traveling to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy.
“There are very, very slim chances they will agree to play in Pakistan. India is the richest cricket board and carries a lot of clout. If they don’t send their team to Pakistan I foresee even countries like Sri Lanka, Afghanistan and Bangladesh following their path,” Mahmood said on Cricket Pakistan.
He further said it would not be good for Pakistan if they decide to adopt a tit-for-tat strategy if the BCCI decide not to send India for the Champions Trophy.
“Look the thing is at this level you can only lobby and try to convince other boards to be on your side. India has too much clout in the ICC it would do no good for Pakistan to adopt a tit-for-tat strategy. Thing is when the BCCI says it can’t send its team and will play its matches outside Pakistan, it does reduce the purpose for Pakistan of hosting an ICC event.”
