On Champions Trophy In Pakistan, Report Claims BCCI Told ICC That Government Has Asked To...

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has informed the International Cricket Council (ICC) that the team India would not be travelling to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy to be held next year. As per ESPNCricinfo, BCCI told ICC that the central government has advised it to not visit Pakistan for the eight-team competition, which is scheduled to be held from February 19 to March 9 next year. This latest development means that the ICC and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) will now have to decide on another plan, which is likely to involve a hybrid model plan as a part of which India will play its set of matches at some other venue while the rest of the tournament takes place in Pakistan.

On Friday, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi had ruled out using a hybrid model for the tournament or if even a discussion took place on the subject. However, as per ESPNCricinfo, several contingency plans have been made months back in case of hybrid model being adopted. For India to play its set of matches, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is likely a frontrunner because of its proximity to Pakistan. Also, Sri Lanka is on the shortlist as well.

ICC was informed of BCCI's stance on Pakistan's visit this week, as per ESPNCricinfo, but it could not be confirmed if BCCI had communicated their decision orally. It is possible that ICC is seeking a written communication on the matter before it is relayed to PCB. Naqvi had also insisted on Friday that PCB would need in written, any objections BCCI has ahead of the tournament, so that they are communicated to the Pakistani government before a final decision is taken.

Naqvi's stance on India visiting Pakistan for the tournament was more unequivocal than ever on Friday, saying that PCB was not