Pakistan seeks explanation after India snubs ICC Champions Trophy
Indian cricket board says it won’t send a team to host nation due to political differences
12 November 2024 - 14:04
by Amlan Chakraborty
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New Delhi — The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has sought clarification from the sport's governing International Cricket Council (ICC) after India’s refusal to travel across the border for the 2025 Champions Trophy, a PCB spokesperson said on Tuesday.
India haven’t toured Pakistan since 2008 because of soured political relations between the neighbours, who play each other only in global multi-team tournaments.
Pakistan hosted the Asia Cup in 2023 but winners India played all their matches in Sri Lanka under a “hybrid model”.
The PCB has ruled out a similar arrangement for the February 19-March 9 ICC Champions Trophy despite the Indian cricket board (BCCI) maintaining its stance of not sending a team to Pakistan on government advice.
“The PCB has sent a letter to the ICC seeking clarification,” the spokesperson said, adding it was awaiting advice from the Pakistan government advice before deciding their next step.
“The PCB received an email from the ICC late last week, stating that the BCCI has informed them that their team will not travel to Pakistan.
“The PCB has forwarded that email to the government of Pakistan for their advice and guidance.”
ICC officials weren’t immediately available to explain how it planned to resolve the uncertainty about the elite 50-overs tournament.
While India’s presence is crucial to the commercial success of the ICC event, Pakistan might withdraw from the tournament should it be shifted out of the country, the Dawn newspaper reported on Tuesday, citing unidentified sources.
The ICC is in talks with the PCB and the participating boards before finalising the schedule of the eight-team tournament.
Support our award-winning journalism. The Premium package (digital only) is R30 for the first month and thereafter you pay R129 p/m now ad-free for all subscribers.
Pakistan seeks explanation after India snubs ICC Champions Trophy
Indian cricket board says it won’t send a team to host nation due to political differences
New Delhi — The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has sought clarification from the sport's governing International Cricket Council (ICC) after India’s refusal to travel across the border for the 2025 Champions Trophy, a PCB spokesperson said on Tuesday.
India haven’t toured Pakistan since 2008 because of soured political relations between the neighbours, who play each other only in global multi-team tournaments.
Pakistan hosted the Asia Cup in 2023 but winners India played all their matches in Sri Lanka under a “hybrid model”.
The PCB has ruled out a similar arrangement for the February 19-March 9 ICC Champions Trophy despite the Indian cricket board (BCCI) maintaining its stance of not sending a team to Pakistan on government advice.
“The PCB has sent a letter to the ICC seeking clarification,” the spokesperson said, adding it was awaiting advice from the Pakistan government advice before deciding their next step.
“The PCB received an email from the ICC late last week, stating that the BCCI has informed them that their team will not travel to Pakistan.
“The PCB has forwarded that email to the government of Pakistan for their advice and guidance.”
ICC officials weren’t immediately available to explain how it planned to resolve the uncertainty about the elite 50-overs tournament.
While India’s presence is crucial to the commercial success of the ICC event, Pakistan might withdraw from the tournament should it be shifted out of the country, the Dawn newspaper reported on Tuesday, citing unidentified sources.
The ICC is in talks with the PCB and the participating boards before finalising the schedule of the eight-team tournament.
Reuters
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