The cricketing world is abuzz with speculation as to whether Team India will participate in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy scheduled to be held in Pakistan. According to sources within the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the prospect seems uncertain, with discussions revolving around the possibility of a venue change or adopting a hybrid model for the tournament.

BCCI’s Stance on India’s Travel to Pakistan

Sources within the BCCI have revealed that Team India’s participation in the ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan is doubtful. Citing concerns over security and bilateral relations, these sources suggest that a bilateral series with Pakistan is also unlikely in the foreseeable future.

Pakistan Cricket Board’s Response

Conversely, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, has expressed openness to a bilateral series with India if India agrees to send its team to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy. However, the BCCI’s stance indicates that such a scenario is improbable.

Sources of Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) said, “Forget bilateral series…Team India may not even travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy. There might be a change of venue, s hybrid model is also possible.”

Concerns and Challenges

The primary concern for the BCCI appears to be the safety and security of the Indian team in Pakistan. Given the current geopolitical climate and strained relations between the two nations, traveling to Pakistan for a cricket tournament poses significant challenges.

Government Permissions and Relations

Sources emphasize that any decision regarding India’s participation would require government approval. With diplomatic tensions between India and Pakistan, obtaining such approval may be challenging. The BCCI acknowledges the complexities involved and emphasizes the importance of adhering to government directives.

“The Indian board would need permission from the government for travel, currently our relations with Pakistan are not that good either,” sources told IANS. “Champions Trophy is an ICC event, so it would be a tough call for India but nothing without the government’s order/green signal. Bilateral series, I don’t see in the near future, that’s next to impossible.”

The history of bilateral cricketing ties between India and Pakistan adds another layer of complexity to the situation. The last bilateral limited-overs series between the two nations occurred in 2012-13 when Pakistan toured India.

Asia Cup Controversy

Last year, India refused to send its team to participate in the Asia Cup hosted by Pakistan. As a result, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) had to resort to a hybrid model, splitting the event with matches held predominantly in Sri Lanka.