Cricket

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has confirmed that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has informed the International Cricket Council (ICC) of its unwillingness to travel to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy, scheduled for February-March 2025.The PCB received an email from the ICC stating that the BCCI had communicated its decision not to travel to Pakistan for the tournament. The PCB has forwarded the email to the Government of Pakistan for advice and guidance.PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi had previously stated that Pakistan would unveil its policy once it received something in writing from the ICC. The BCCI had earlier intimated the ICC about India's inability to travel to Pakistan, leaving the PCB with no option but to organize the Champions Trophy in a 'Hybrid Model.' However, Naqvi had also said that the 'Hybrid Model' was unacceptable to Pakistan.India has not sent its cricket team to Pakistan since 2008 when they last participated in the Asia Cup under Mahendra Singh Dhoni's captaincy. Pakistan has toured India for a bilateral white-ball series in 2012-13, the T20 World Cup in 2016, and the 50-over World Cup last year.As reported earlier, India will play all its matches in Dubai, and the high-profile India vs. Pakistan tie will also be held in the UAE. A BCCI source had earlier stated that the ICC would inform the host nation about the development and then finalize the tournament schedule.Dubai is the preferred location for India's matches due to its high stadium capacity and well-established infrastructure, as demonstrated during the recent Women's T20 World Cup. Last year, the Asia Cup, hosted by Pakistan, had to be held in a 'Hybrid Model' after India refused to tour the country.

India's participation in the 2025 Champions Trophy in Pakistan has sparked controversy due to ongoing political tensions between the two nations. Despite Pakistan's visit to India for the 2023 ODI World Cup, reports suggest that India is reluctant to travel to Pakistan for the upcoming tournament.The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has reportedly proposed a "hybrid" model, where India would play its matches in Dubai. However, former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif has warned that if India refuses to travel, Pakistan should retaliate by boycotting the tournament."ICC exists only because there is Pakistan and India. If the government of Pakistan also says like India that we won't play, then the ICC will be of no use as no one will watch the match," Latif told Geo News.Latif emphasized that India cannot deny ICC events as they have already signed agreements. He added that if India does not participate, Pakistan will take a "big step" by withdrawing from the tournament.The BCCI has reportedly informed the ICC of its decision not to travel to Pakistan. Sources indicate that Pakistan may consider legal action at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS)."This is an ICC event. The cycle has been signed from 2024-2031. All the broadcasters and sponsors have signed about the teams that will participate in the Champions Trophy or the World Cup," Latif said.The decision has sparked debate, with some arguing that India should prioritize cricket over politics. Others maintain that the safety and security of the Indian team must be paramount.The ICC is expected to make a final decision on the matter in the coming months. If India does not participate, it would be a major blow to the tournament and raise questions about the future of bilateral cricket between the two nations.

The ongoing standoff between India and Pakistan over the hosting of the Champions Trophy has taken a new turn, with reports emerging that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has informed the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) that it will not send the Indian team to Pakistan for the tournament. Instead, the BCCI has proposed playing its matches in Dubai. However, PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi has denied receiving any formal communication from the BCCI.As per protocol, the BCCI must obtain clearance from the Indian government before making any decision on the team's travel to Pakistan. Amidst this impasse, former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali has suggested that other cricket boards may also decline to travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy.In a YouTube video, Ali stated that the BCCI will officially decline on the 11th of November, and he will observe which other cricket boards follow suit. He attributed this potential reluctance to the significant influence of the Indian Premier League (IPL).Ali praised PCB chief Naqvi for his handling of the situation, noting that the public discourse in both Pakistan and India has subsided, leaving the matter to be resolved through official channels. He emphasized that the decision will ultimately rest with the BCCI, PCB, and ICC.Ali expressed concern that the standoff could have negative consequences for cricket, as it pits the love of the game against financial considerations. He questioned which boards would support Pakistan and which would favor the BCCI due to IPL pressure.In 2023, the PCB adopted a hybrid model for the Asia Cup, with India playing all their matches in Sri Lanka. Pakistan also agreed to play India in Ahmedabad during the ODI World Cup. If the BCCI maintains its stance, the PCB may escalate the matter to the ICC, where BCCI secretary Jay Shah, who will assume the role of ICC chairman on December 1, will have to make a decision.Sources indicate that the BCCI wants a resolution before Shah takes charge as ICC chairman. If the PCB agrees to the hybrid model, it remains to be seen which venue the ICC will designate for the final.The PCB had reportedly proposed that the Indian team establish a base in Chandigarh and travel to Lahore only on match days. However, this idea has been deemed logistically impractical.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has informed the International Cricket Council (ICC) that the Indian cricket team will not travel to Pakistan for the 2025 Champions Trophy. This decision stems from advice received from the Indian government, which has advised against sending the team to Pakistan due to security concerns.The Champions Trophy, an eight-team tournament, is scheduled to be held in Pakistan from February 19 to March 9, 2025. However, the BCCI's decision has forced the ICC and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to consider contingency plans.One possible solution is a hybrid model, where teams would play matches in Pakistan and a second venue. However, the PCB has previously ruled out this option. ESPNcricinfo understands that contingency plans were drawn up months ago in anticipation of such a scenario.The UAE and Sri Lanka are potential candidates to host matches alongside Pakistan. The ICC has been informed of the BCCI's stance, but it remains unclear whether the decision has been communicated in writing. The PCB has stated that it will need written confirmation before discussing the matter with the government.The BCCI's decision is based on the strained political relations between India and Pakistan. India has not toured Pakistan since the 2008 Asia Cup, despite Pakistan playing several ICC events in India, including the 2023 World Cup. The two sides have only played one bilateral series since then, a white-ball tour by Pakistan in 2012-13.The Champions Trophy will feature eight teams divided into two groups of four. The competing teams are Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, and South Africa. The schedule and ticketing details for the tournament have yet to be announced.

The uncertainty surrounding Team India's participation in the ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan next year continues to linger. Reports indicate that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has informed the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) of its reluctance to send the Indian team to Pakistan for the tournament.BCCI has reportedly expressed its preference for playing its matches in Dubai, a more neutral venue. However, PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi has denied receiving any formal communication from BCCI regarding this matter.The International Cricket Council (ICC) has not set a deadline for declaring the tournament fixtures, but typically announces these details at least three months in advance. BCCI had previously delayed announcing the ODI World Cup fixtures last year due to PCB's objection to playing in Ahmedabad.As per standard practice, BCCI must obtain clearance from the Indian government before making any decision on the team's travel to Pakistan. A BCCI source confirmed that the board's stance remains unchanged and that it will not make any decision without government approval.The recent visit of India's Minister of External Affairs, S Jaishankar, to Pakistan had raised hopes that India might agree to play in Pakistan. However, it is understood that BCCI has consulted with the Indian team management and decided on Dubai as the preferred venue.PCB had previously agreed to a hybrid model for the Asia Cup in 2023, with India playing all their matches in Sri Lanka. Pakistan also agreed to play India in Ahmedabad during the ODI World Cup.If BCCI's stance remains unchanged, PCB may have to escalate the matter to the ICC, where BCCI secretary Jay Shah, who will assume the role of ICC chairman on December 1, will have to make a decision.Sources indicate that BCCI wants a decision on this issue before Shah takes charge as ICC chairman. If PCB agrees to the hybrid model, it will be interesting to see which venue the ICC suggests for the final.PCB had reportedly proposed the idea of the Indian team setting up a base in Chandigarh and traveling to Lahore only on match days. However, this idea is considered logistically challenging.

Ahead of the highly anticipated five-Test Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against Australia, the Indian men's cricket team management held a crucial meeting with the BCCI hierarchy. Captain Rohit Sharma, selection panel chairman Ajit Agarkar, head coach Gautam Gambhir (via teleconferencing), BCCI president Roger Binny, and secretary Jay Shah were present at the meeting held at the Cricket Centre in Mumbai.While the meeting was initially scheduled to take place during the Pune Test, it was postponed due to the BCCI office-bearers' inability to travel. However, the timing of the meeting has raised eyebrows, coming on the heels of India's humiliating 0-3 series whitewash at home against New Zealand. The series loss has also put India's chances of qualifying for the World Test Championship in jeopardy.Sources close to the team management have indicated that the meeting focused primarily on charting out a roadmap for the upcoming tour rather than dwelling on the New Zealand series debacle. With Shah set to take over as the ICC Chair on December 1, this meeting may be his last with the team management in his current capacity.The Indian squad will depart for Perth in two batches, on November 10 and 11. The first Test commences on November 22. The team management is under immense pressure to turn things around after the New Zealand series, which saw India revert to the rank-turner policy. While the policy backfired, it has put additional pressure on Gambhir and Rohit, who have had a forgettable 2024 with the willow in Tests.Despite the recent setbacks, the Indian team remains confident of putting up a strong fight against Australia. The team boasts a wealth of experience and talent, including the likes of Virat Kohli, Cheteshwar Pujara, and Ravichandran Ashwin. However, they will need to adapt quickly to the Australian conditions and find a way to counter the formidable Australian bowling attack.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has asserted its determination to host the entire Champions Trophy in Pakistan, rejecting the possibility of a hybrid model. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi emphasized that the board has not received any official communication from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) expressing concerns about the Indian team's participation in Pakistan.Naqvi's stance marks a departure from the PCB's previous cautious approach on the issue of India's reluctance to travel to Pakistan. He stated that the PCB is prepared to host all of India's matches in Lahore, which is conveniently located near the Indian border, to facilitate logistics and security. The PCB has also offered to arrange up to 17,000 visas for Indian fans during the tournament.Naqvi expressed confidence that Pakistan has demonstrated goodwill towards India in the past, referring to the team's participation in the ODI World Cup in India despite India's refusal to travel to Pakistan for the Asia Cup. He emphasized that Pakistan should not be expected to make such gestures indefinitely if India continues to decline to visit Pakistan.The PCB has identified three venues – Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Karachi – for the tournament. Naqvi stated that "almost every country" is eager to see the Champions Trophy played in Pakistan and that the PCB will provide all necessary facilities.However, ESPNcricinfo reports that the BCCI has not yet discussed the matter internally. The Indian board's stance remains unchanged, and it will await the Indian government's approval before making a decision on whether to travel to Pakistan.The Champions Trophy is scheduled to be held in Pakistan from February 19 to March 9, although the ICC has yet to officially announce the schedule.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has vehemently denied media reports suggesting that it has agreed to a "hybrid model" proposed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for the 2025 Champions Trophy. According to these reports, the BCCI had proposed that the Indian cricket team would play its matches at a neutral venue, a suggestion that was allegedly accepted by the PCB.However, PCB sources have categorically stated that the two cricket boards have not engaged in any discussions regarding a hybrid model and that no such plans are being considered for the tournament. Pakistan remains steadfast in its stance that it will host the tournament in its entirety at Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi."The hybrid model is not under consideration. It is documented that our position has not changed. People file stories claiming sources X Y Z. People file anything just to get some views. As of now, we haven't decided anything as far as the Champions Trophy. Our stand is as it is," a PCB source asserted.The political tensions between India and Pakistan have prevented the two teams from facing each other in a bilateral series for over a decade. While Pakistan participated in the 2023 ODI World Cup in India, India has yet to confirm its participation in the Champions Trophy in Pakistan next year.Earlier, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who also serves as the Federal Interior Minister, expressed confidence in a swift visa issuance process for Indian fans wishing to attend the ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan. He conveyed this assurance during a meeting with a group of Sikh pilgrims from the United States.Naqvi expressed optimism that Indian fans would respond positively to the opportunity to visit Pakistan for the Champions Trophy. "We will be keeping a special quota of tickets for Indian fans and we will try to make the visa issuance policy brisk," Naqvi stated.The PCB is eager to welcome Indian fans to Pakistan and witness the highly anticipated match between India and Pakistan in Lahore.

PCB Disappointed by India's Refusal to Play in Pakistan for 2025 Champions TrophyPakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has expressed disappointment over reports that India has declined to play in Pakistan for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. Naqvi emphasized the importance of the tournament for Pakistan's cricket landscape and its potential to foster cricketing ties in the region.Speaking to the media after inspecting the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, Naqvi stated that the PCB has not received any official communication from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) regarding their non-participation. However, he acknowledged reports in the Indian media and expressed concern."We have a clear stance that if India has any issues, we will accept it only if they give us in writing," Naqvi said. "We are not ready for any dialogue on a 'hybrid model' and believe that cricket should be kept away from politics."Naqvi reiterated the PCB's commitment to hosting a successful Champions Trophy and stated that they will continue preparations as planned. He added that if the BCCI formally communicates their non-participation, the PCB will consult with the government for guidance.The TimesofIndia.com had earlier reported that the BCCI has informed the PCB and other stakeholders of their decision to play their matches at a neutral venue, with Dubai being the likely host. The BCCI has reportedly cited security concerns as the reason for their decision.The PCB's disappointment stems from the fact that the Champions Trophy is a major ICC event and hosting it in Pakistan would have been a significant boost for the country's cricket. The tournament would have also provided an opportunity for Pakistan to showcase its improved security situation and promote cricketing ties with India.The BCCI's decision has sparked mixed reactions in India. Some experts believe that the decision is justified due to security concerns, while others argue that it is a missed opportunity to improve relations between the two countries.The PCB remains hopeful that the BCCI will reconsider its decision and allow the Champions Trophy to be played in Pakistan. However, the PCB is also prepared to host the tournament at a neutral venue if necessary.