Pakistan is making every effort to invite India, and now it has offered a new option. Pakistan suggests that the Indian team can come to play in Pakistan, even if they return after playing matches in Chandigarh or Delhi.
The recent visit of India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to Pakistan has reignited discussions about the possibility of the Indian cricket team traveling to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy, even though there are no expectations regarding this. According to a report by ‘Cricbuzz,’ the issue was raised multiple times during discussions between Jaishankar and his Pakistani counterpart Ishaq Dar. It is claimed that Mohsin Naqvi, the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), who is also a minister, was present in the meeting.
The decision on whether the Indian team will finally travel to Pakistan for the eight-nation, 50-over tournament rests with the Indian government. Currently, neither the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) nor the International Cricket Council (ICC) has confirmed this.
The report also claims that the PCB has written a letter to the BCCI with a proposal. The PCB stated that if the Indian team wishes to avoid staying in Pakistan due to security concerns, they can return to Chandigarh or New Delhi after each match.
An official from the PCB said that there is approximately a week gap between the two matches. The Champions Trophy is scheduled to be held from February 19 to March 9, with matches in Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Karachi. The PCB plans to host all of India’s matches in Lahore due to security concerns, as it is closer to the Indian border and easier for Indian fans to attend.
India is scheduled to play three matches: on February 20 (against Bangladesh), February 23 (against Pakistan), and March 2 (against New Zealand). Some updates regarding this schedule have surfaced. The ICC has circulated the schedule to the teams participating in the Champions Trophy. Recent reports in the Pakistani media also mentioned a request made to the ICC to relocate one of India’s matches, particularly the India-New Zealand match, to another venue. The PCB proposed Rawalpindi as an alternative. However, broadcasters and ICC officials have denied any knowledge of such requests.
India’s Participation is Crucial
India’s participation in the Champions Trophy is crucial, whether it takes place in Pakistan or by adopting a hybrid model in another country, as the event would be quite dull without India. The ICC and PCB have a contingency plan to hold India’s matches outside Pakistan if Rohit’s brigade does not travel there.
On the other hand, Richard Thompson, chairman of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), said to Reuters, “This deadlock will be resolved. If not, there are several other options. I didn’t think it would be played without India because if you play the Champions Trophy without India, there will be no broadcasting rights, and we need to secure them.”
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Decision to Play in Pakistan Depends on Government
Pakistan is preparing to host its first international cricket event since the 1996 World Cup. The Champions Trophy is an ICC event. The decision to play in Pakistan ultimately rests with the BCCI, which has repeatedly stated that the Indian government will make the decision. During the 2023 ODI Asia Cup, India played its matches in Sri Lanka based on a “hybrid model.”
According to the draft schedule, all of India’s matches, including potential semi-finals and finals, are to be played in Lahore. The marquee match between India and Pakistan is set for March 1. BCCI Vice President Rajeev Shukla stated in May 2024 that the Indian team would travel to Pakistan for the tournament only if the central government permits it. Shukla said, “In the case of the Champions Trophy, we will do what the Indian government asks us to. We will send our team only when the Indian government allows it. So we will proceed according to the government’s decision.”
Will India Play Under a Hybrid Model?
Last year, India refused to send its team to play in Pakistan for the Asia Cup. Consequently, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) developed a hybrid model for the event, allowing India’s matches to take place in Sri Lanka. The possibility of the Indian team traveling to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy in 2025 is very low since the final decision still lies with the Indian government. Recent reports suggest that a hybrid model may be considered, with India potentially playing its matches in the UAE or Sri Lanka, similar to the Asia Cup. The ICC’s stance on this matter will also be crucial.
When Did India Last Go to Pakistan?
India and Pakistan last played a bilateral limited-overs series (50 overs) in 2012-13 when Pakistan toured India. During that time, a two-match T20 series was also held. India last played a Test series in Pakistan in 2007. The Pakistani team had recently come to play during the ODI World Cup.