In a move that indicates it is softening its previous hardline stance, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is ready to accommodate “changes” in the order of the 2025 Champions Trophy which it is scheduled to host but which has Indian matches in UAE as per its sources. It may imply that the tournament will be conducted under the Hybrid Model as the Indian authorities will very likely prohibit its team from visiting Pakistan due to the current political climate and fears for the safety of the national team.
The last tournament that Pakistan was in charge of hosting was the Asia Cup in 2023 which was held in a Hybrid Model where Indian players played in Sri Lanka as the government did not allow them to cross the border for the matches.
“A reliable source in the PCB told PTI that the PCB is optimistic that there will be an Indian team tour to Pakistan’s neighbour even if the Indian government does not authorise the such tour. This is because India will more likely play its games in Dubai or Sharjah,”
The International Cricket Council (ICC) also cannot compel any Board to indulge in unbecoming behavior to any Government and it would be worth watching when BCCI will come to a resolution on this issue. By that time, the making the last decision on this issue is highly likely Jay Shah will be the President of the ICC.
In the meantime, the PCB is requesting the ICC to finalize and make public the dates of the tournaments individual matches by end of next week since some top officials of the world governing body are expected to visit Lahore again next week’s ICC meeting.
“PCB has talked about the draft timetable which they sent few months ago and wants that the very same timetable to be announced on 11th November,” the informant said.
It informed the ICC that as there is already a containment strategy with a new cost, there is no reason to withhold a provisional match timetable. He went on to say that the PCB has requested that the ICC pressure the BCA to make a decision on their team’s participation in Pakistan next February-March.
“The PCB wants BCCI to confirm either way in writing whether their government allows them to send the team to Pakistan,” the source stated.
“Under the revised timetable issued by the PCB, the highly-awaited match of the Champions trophy between India and their rivals Pakistan will be held in Lahore on March 1 next year.”
The tournament is scheduled to kick off on February 19, 2025 with the match involving Pakistan and New Zealand in Karachi. The Last match is set for March 9 at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
“In the proposed timetable, matches of India have been scheduled in Lahore only on account of security and logistical factors.”
As per the insiders, the PCB is investing close to 13 billion rupees in the renovation of stadiums in Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi where CT matches would take place.
