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The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially requested written confirmation from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) regarding their participation in the upcoming Champions Trophy, scheduled to be held in Pakistan in February 2024. The PCB's demand stems from the ICC's recent announcement that the Indian government has not yet granted permission for the Indian team to travel to Pakistan for the tournament. This uncertainty has cast a shadow over the tournament's future, with the official launch event in Lahore being postponed due to the unresolved issue.
The PCB has categorically ruled out any possibility of a hybrid model, which would allow India to play their matches in a neutral venue outside Pakistan. This stance has solidified despite speculation regarding the United Arab Emirates as a potential alternative host. The PCB maintains that the tournament will be played in its entirety across three Pakistani cities – Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi. With the involvement of the Pakistan government in the decision-making process, the ultimate fate of the tournament now rests heavily on its hands, potentially overshadowing the PCB's initial position.
The PCB's unwavering stance is rooted in a sense of grievance stemming from the previous year's events. After being forced to adopt a hybrid model for the Asia Cup, Pakistan agreed to travel to India for the World Cup, a decision reached after consultation with the government. This move was seen as a gesture of goodwill, with the hope that it would encourage reciprocation from India for the Champions Trophy. However, with the Indian government's current reluctance, the PCB's hopes of achieving this reciprocal arrangement have been dashed. Adding further fuel to the fire, the PCB has pointed out that no objections were raised when Pakistan was awarded the hosting rights for the tournament three years ago, and no concerns were expressed at the recent ICC board meeting in October.
The PCB's steadfast stance, coupled with the Pakistani government's involvement, has created a complex and potentially tense situation. The outcome of this standoff will have significant ramifications for the Champions Trophy and the future of cricketing relations between India and Pakistan. With time running out, the cricketing world awaits a definitive answer from the BCCI and the Indian government, holding its breath as the fate of the prestigious tournament hangs in the balance.
Source: Champions Trophy: PCB wants an explanation in writing from India for refusal to travel