It is now up to the International Cricket Council (ICC) to convince the BCCI to send the squad to Pakistan for the 2017 Champions Trophy, instead of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
In order to send its squad to Pakistan for the forthcoming Champions Trophy, which is slated to take place in the first quarter of next year, the BCCI will need to be persuaded by the International Cricket Council (ICC), not the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). The Champions Trophy money was cleared during the last ICC meetings in Colombo, but there was no debate about the scheduling or structure, according to a PCB source. “A PCB insider stated that the PCB has fulfilled its obligation as the Champions Trophy hosts by submitting the event’s budget, draft schedule, and format.”
“It is now up to the ICC how soon they circulate, discuss and finalise the schedule of the Champions Trophy. The PCB for its part in the draft schedule has suggested hosting all of India’s games in Lahore including a semi-final (if India qualifies) and final,” he said.
According to a different source, the PCB has already sent the ICC their expression of interest paperwork, which contains all the information needed to host the Champions Trophy.
He continued, “The PCB, for its part, has provided the ICC with written information regarding the tax procedures, venue choices, and government approval for the Indian team to be hosted in Pakistan for the mega event.”
The PCB had originally expressed interest in hosting the event back in 2021, when Ehsan Mani was the board chairman.
The PCB, led by Ramiz Raja, filed their final papers for the host agreement to be signed with the ICC after the ICC granted hosting rights in 2022.
According to the source, Mohsin Naqvi, the head of the PCB, did not hold any formal meetings with Jay Shah, the secretary of the BCCI, or any other BCCI officials during the side meetings at the ICC. However, Naqvi and Shah had friendly conversations during the meetings.
Now that the tournament schedule has been finalized and announced, the PCB has delegated responsibility to the ICC to confirm with the BCCI if the Indian team will visit Pakistan.
Does ICC’s Action Indicate That It Is Ready for a Hybrid Schedule?
In case the Indian team needs to play its matches outside of Pakistan, the ICC has budgeted extra money for the competition.
Even at the PCB-hosted 2023 ODI Asia Cup, where India played all of their matches in Sri Lanka using a “Hybrid Model,” the BCCI has consistently maintained that playing cricket in Pakistan is solely a matter of government decision.
All of India’s matches, including any semifinals and finals, are slated to take place in Lahore, according per the draft schedule. The highly anticipated India vs. Pakistan match is set for March 1.
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