PCB demands ICC’s justification for India’s Champions Trophy Boycott

English , Sports - کھیل اور کھلاڑی , / Wednesday, November 13th, 2024

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The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has formally asked the International Cricket Council (ICC) to clarify India’s refusal to participate in the 2025 Champions Trophy, scheduled in Pakistan. Last week, the ICC informed PCB that India would not send its team, creating uncertainty around the tournament’s fate.
Pakistan recently declined a hybrid arrangement proposal, which would have allowed India to play its matches at neutral locations, such as the UAE. PCB spokesperson Sami-Ul-Hasan confirmed that the board has requested further explanation regarding India’s stance.
Due to strained political ties, Pakistan and India have not played a bilateral series in over ten years, meeting only in ICC tournaments. However, Pakistan anticipated India’s cooperation after their recent visit for the ODI World Cup. Notably, teams like New Zealand, England, and Australia have toured Pakistan in the last two years, reinforcing PCB’s argument for India’s safe participation.
The Champions Trophy is set to take place across three venues—Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Karachi—from February 19 to March 9, though the official schedule has been delayed due to the impasse. PCB chairman and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi expressed disappointment, emphasizing Pakistan’s commitment to providing top-notch security and facilities to all teams.
Naqvi hinted that Pakistan may reconsider its participation in future tournaments hosted by India if the issue persists, noting that Pakistan’s goodwill toward India may not be extended in the future.
India is slated to host several major tournaments, including the women’s ODI World Cup and Asia Cup next year, and will co-host the T20 World Cup in 2026