The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has deferred to the International Cricket Council (ICC) to persuade the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to send its team to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy, set for the first quarter of next year.

According to a PCB source, the event’s budget was recently approved during ICC meetings in Colombo, but the schedule and format were not discussed.”The PCB has fulfilled its duties as hosts of the Champions Trophy by submitting the draft schedule, format, and budget for the event,” a PCB insider told news agency PTI. “It is now up to the ICC to circulate, discuss, and finalize the schedule of the Champions Trophy.”

“The PCB has proposed in the draft schedule to host all of India’s matches in Lahore, including a semi-final (if India qualifies) and the final,” he said. Another source confirmed that the PCB has already provided all required details in its expression of interest document to the ICC. “The PCB has formally informed the ICC about tax arrangements, venue selections, and government clearance for hosting the Indian team in Pakistan for the event,” he added.

The PCB first showed interest in hosting the Champions Trophy in 2021, during Ehsan Mani’s tenure as Chairman. The ICC granted hosting rights in 2022, and the final host agreement was completed under Ramiz Raja’s chairmanship. Although PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi did not have formal meetings with BCCI secretary Jay Shah or other BCCI officials at the ICC meetings, their interactions were described as cordial.

Next Steps for ICC: Confirming schedule and securing Indian participation

The PCB has now delegated the task of finalizing and announcing the tournament schedule to the ICC. The ICC also needs to confirm with the BCCI regarding the Indian team’s travel to Pakistan. The budget for the tournament includes provisions for additional expenses in case the Indian team needs to play matches outside Pakistan.

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Historically, the BCCI has stated that decisions about playing cricket in Pakistan are made by the Indian government. During the 2023 ODI Asia Cup, India played its matches in Sri Lanka under a ‘Hybrid Model.

‘According to the draft schedule, all of India’s games, including a possible semi-final and final, are set to take place in Lahore, with the high-profile India vs Pakistan match scheduled for March 1.

The PCB has completed all its responsibilities as hosts by submitting the draft schedule and budget and providing detailed documentation to the ICC. The ICC is now responsible for finalizing the event logistics and securing India’s participation.