PCB to ‘push’ ICC after India ‘refuses’ to play Champions Trophy in Pakistan

• The PCB will formally approach the ICC over India’s refusal to play in Pakistan.
• Pakistan rejects hybrid model, insists all matches are in Pakistan.
• The government is taking a tough stance, it will not play with India unless it agrees to visit.

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is set to formally address the International Cricket Council (ICC) over India’s decision to sit out the upcoming Champions Trophy, which is scheduled to be hosted in Pakistan.

sources said Geo News that the PCB will send a letter to the ICC within the next two days, following the government’s guidelines.

After extensive legal consultations, the PCB plans to ask the ICC to provide specific reasons behind the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) “refusal” to send its team to Pakistan for the mega tournament.

The PCB intends to present a firm stand, reflecting the government’s advice, and will seek a written explanation from the BCCI detailing their decision, the sources said.

The BCCI had earlier communicated its decision to the ICC verbally, expressing its reluctance to send the Indian team to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy, the sources said earlier. The ICC then informed the PCB in writing about India’s decision, they added.

In response, the sources said, the PCB consulted the government to determine the appropriate course of action.

Apart from working with the ICC, the PCB plans to approach other cricket boards to convey its position and garner support on India’s withdrawal.

PCB’s forthcoming correspondence with the ICC is aimed at addressing the implications of India’s absence and seeking clarity on the issue.

Moreover, the sources also revealed that the PCB would consult other cricket boards to share their concerns and garner support.

The move follows directives from the federal government, which recently decided to take a firmer stance on sports relations with India in response to the Narendra Modi-led administration’s refusal to send the Indian cricket team to Pakistan for the tournament.

According to the sources, Pakistan’s approach to cross-border sports diplomacy has changed significantly, signaling Islamabad’s determination to challenge what it perceives as the politicization of sports in New Delhi.

The PCB aims to highlight the potential impact of India’s absence on international cricket relations and ICC revenue, as the absence of Pakistan-India matches could have a significant financial impact.

The federal government had also directed the PCB to resist any proposal of a hybrid model for the Champions Trophy, rejecting the idea of ​​holding matches outside Pakistan.

The Champions Trophy, a major event in the international cricket calendar, is scheduled to take place in February-March next year.