In a change of stance, Pakistan Cricket Board has agreed to make adjustments to the schedule of the iCC Champions Trophy 2025, with India National Cricket Team playing its matches in the UAE.
The tournament is likely to be held in the ‘Hybrid Model’ as the Indian government is unlikely to allow the Men in Blue to play in Pakistan due to political issues and security concerns.
Pakistan hosted the Asia Cup in 2023 in a ‘Hybrid Model’ with India playing its contests in Sri Lanka as the government refused to permit the Indian team to travel to Pakistan.
“The PCB feels that even if Indian government refuses to grant permission to its team, it is ready to make adjustments to the schedule. India would play its matches in Dubai or Sharjah,” a reliable source in the PCB told PTI.
The International Cricket Council doesn’t have power to force any board to go against the policy of the government. By the time, the final decision is made, ICC will be headed by Jay Shah.
Meanwhile, the PCB wants the ICC to announce the final schedule of the Champions Trophy by next week. The officials of the apex body are due to visit Lahore.
“The PCB has already shared the schedule with the ICC and now wants the same schedule to be announced on November 11,” the source added.
“It has told the ICC that an alternative plan is ready so there is no harm in moving ahead with the schedule of matches.”
The PCB has also requested the ICC to push the BCCI to confirm if they are willing to play in Pakistan or not.
“The PCB wants to know the final decision of the BCCI regarding the travelling plans of Team India.”
According to the tentative schedule, India and Pakistan are slated to take on each other in Lahore on March 1 next year.
Team India’s matches have been kept in Lahore to avoid any security issues.
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