New Delhi: India’s involvement in the Champions Trophy is still uncertain, as Pakistan is set to host the next ICC showpiece event, and there has been no confirmation regarding whether the Indian team will make the trip to participate next year.
India’s last visit to Pakistan occurred in 2008 when MS Dhoni captained the team in the Asia Cup. Since then, India has not crossed the border, while Pakistan has participated in several ICC events hosted in India during this period.
In 2023, Pakistan had to implement a hybrid model for the Asia Cup after the Indian team declined to travel to the country. Consequently, Sri Lanka hosted India’s matches, including the final.
Recent reports indicate that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is prepared to accept that India will not travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy. According to PTI, the PCB has confirmed that they will not relocate the final from Lahore, even if India qualifies for the title match.
A source from the PCB stated to PTI, “The PCB’s primary goal is to host the entire Champions Trophy in Pakistan, and they remain hopeful about this. However, the Board is also internally bracing for the possibility that the Indian government may not permit its team to play in Pakistan, which could result in India’s matches being relocated to the UAE.”
“But the PCB has decided even in the event of India not playing in Pakistan they want the final to be held in Lahore. Even if India qualifies for the final the PCB wants the ICC to hold the match at the Gaddafi stadium in Lahore.”
Clarity on the situation may emerge following the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) board meeting in Dubai, scheduled from October 18 to 21. Reports indicate that all stadiums are undergoing renovations, and PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, along with Chief Operating Officer Salman Naseer, will present detailed cost assessments to the ICC during this meeting.
