PCB exhorts Indians on playing in Pak: Asks BCCI to produce Governmental Document as a proof

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has demanded that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) provide written confirmation from the Indian government if permission to play in Pakistan is denied

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has demanded that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) provide written confirmation from the Indian government if permission to play in Pakistan is denied. This request comes ahead of the Champions Trophy scheduled for February-March next year. The PCB insists that if the Indian team cites security concerns for not travelling to Pakistan, it must be backed by official documentation. A PCB source stated, “If the Indian government declines permission, it has to be in writing, and the BCCI must provide that letter to the ICC now.” The PCB wants the BCCI to inform the ICC about its travel plans at least 5-6 months before the tournament. This insistence arises as the PCB has already submitted a draft schedule to the ICC, placing all of India’s games, including a possible semi-final and final, in Lahore.

Meanwhile, the ICC has allocated an additional budget for contingency plans, knowing that the BCCI might refuse to travel to Pakistan. This precaution includes potentially holding matches in a different country if necessary. The ICC annual conference in Colombo on July 19, although not discussing the ‘Hybrid Model’ of India playing its games in the UAE, has prepared for such scenarios by earmarking extra funds. The BCCI maintains that playing in Pakistan is subject to government approval. In a previous instance, during the 2023 ODI Asia Cup hosted by PCB, India played all its games in Sri Lanka under a ‘Hybrid Model.’ The BCCI sources indicate no plans to travel to Pakistan, leading the ICC to prepare for matches outside Pakistan if required. The Champions Trophy is set to commence in Karachi on February 19 and conclude with the final in Lahore on March 9, with a reserve day on March 10. Matches will also be held in Rawalpindi, and the highly anticipated India vs Pakistan match is scheduled for March 1.