Cricket

The ongoing saga surrounding the Champions Trophy has once again ignited tensions between India and Pakistan, two cricketing giants with a long and complex history. Pakistan cricketer Ahmad Shahzad has openly criticized India's stance on the tournament, accusing them of making "false promises" and prioritizing non-cricket concerns.Shahzad's frustration stems from India's reluctance to play in Pakistan for the 2025 Champions Trophy. He believes that Pakistan has consistently praised India's performances on the field, but India has not reciprocated this gesture by supporting Pakistan's hosting of major events."Pakistan now needs to step forward and clarify its stance," Shahzad said on Pakistani channel Geo News. "We've known for a long time that India are making false promises. Whenever they play well, we praise them because they deserve it. But when it comes to this issue (coming to Pakistan), India have been lying for a long time."Shahzad's comments have been met with support from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), which is reportedly preparing to challenge the Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) decision. The PCB plans to question the International Cricket Council (ICC) about the rationale behind the BCCI's stance.The ICC now faces a difficult task in finding a solution that satisfies both parties. One option is to move the tournament out of Pakistan entirely, potentially to South Africa or the UAE. However, Pakistan has reportedly threatened to withdraw from the Champions Trophy if hosting rights are removed.The dispute has escalated to a point where it could have significant implications for the future of India-Pakistan cricket relations. The ICC must tread carefully to avoid further damage to one of the most intense rivalries in the sport.

The ICC Champions Trophy, scheduled for 2025, faces an uncertain future as the impasse between the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) continues. The BCCI has informed the International Cricket Council (ICC) of the Indian government's decision to not send its team to Pakistan due to security concerns.Pakistan, however, remains adamant about hosting the entire tournament within its borders, having won the rights to do so. The PCB has sought assistance from the Pakistan government, which has reportedly refused to allow any games to be moved outside the country."We have been told by our government not to move any game out of Pakistan, and that will be our stand when the time comes," a PCB official told the Indian Express on condition of anonymity.Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali confirmed the government's stance, stating that the PCB has been barred from accepting a hybrid model that would involve some matches being played in a neutral venue.With Pakistan determined to host the entire event at home and India unwilling to cross the border, the Champions Trophy's fate hangs in the balance. Earlier reports suggested that the tournament could be shifted to South Africa if no common ground is reached, but Pakistan is unlikely to participate in such a scenario.Some have proposed holding the tournament without either India or Pakistan, but such a compromise would have a significant financial impact on the ICC and its revenue streams. India vs Pakistan cricket matches are a major revenue generator for both boards and the ICC.The ICC is facing a difficult decision as it tries to balance the security concerns of the Indian government with Pakistan's hosting rights. The tournament's future remains uncertain until a compromise can be reached between the two cricketing giants.

India's decision to boycott the Champions Trophy in Pakistan has sparked outrage among former Pakistani cricketers. The International Cricket Council (ICC) confirmed India's withdrawal on Sunday, prompting a flurry of criticism.Former Pakistan captain Mohammad Hafeez expressed his disappointment on social media, stating that it was a "day dream" to expect India's participation. He emphasized that Pakistan is safe and ready to host the event, but India's concerns about security are unfounded."It was a day dream that India will come to Pakistan to play Champions Trophy 2025. Pakistan is safe & ready to host the event. Pakistan hosting all cricket nations at home but somehow not *secure* for India. Waiting for strong & surprised response from government & PCB," Hafeez tweeted.The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is seeking clarification from the ICC regarding the hosting of the Champions Trophy. While India's absence has been confirmed, there has been no mention of a hybrid model, as was implemented during the Asia Cup last year.Sources within the PCB indicate that an email will be sent to the ICC seeking clarity on India's decision. The PCB is also consulting with the government for guidance.Speculation suggests that Dubai could host India's matches in the tournament, which is scheduled for February 2025. However, no official decision has been made.The PCB is assessing the situation and will make a decision on the next steps in due course.

The ongoing dispute between the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) over India's participation in the 2025 Champions Trophy has taken a new turn. The International Cricket Council (ICC) has informed the PCB that the Indian cricket team will not travel to Pakistan for the tournament, sparking controversy and uncertainty.The PCB has expressed its disappointment and is seeking clarification from the ICC regarding the hosting arrangements. While the ICC has stated that India will not travel to Pakistan, there has been no official confirmation of a hybrid model being proposed.Former England captain Michael Vaughan has weighed in on the situation, expressing concern that the decision could further deteriorate the already strained sporting relationship between India and Pakistan. Vaughan believes that the absence of India from the Champions Trophy in Pakistan could lead to a prolonged hiatus in matches between the two nations."India have obviously announced that they would not be playing in Pakistan, looks like they're going to play in Dubai. I do think by India not going to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy, I think that relationship now could be an off-image, it has not been great for a long time and I think it is going to be at its worst," Vaughan said.Vaughan emphasized the global appeal of India-Pakistan matches and expressed regret that India would not be playing in Pakistan. He suggested that the series could be played in neutral venues such as Australia or the UK to accommodate the large fan base.Meanwhile, a report in PTI suggests that the Champions Trophy could follow a hybrid model, with India's matches being played in Dubai or another country. However, a reliable PCB source has denied any such discussions at this stage.The PCB is expected to send an email to the ICC seeking clarification on the Indian decision. The Board is also in consultation with the government for guidance and directives.The situation remains fluid, and the PCB is yet to make a decision on its next steps. The outcome of the ongoing discussions will determine the fate of the 2025 Champions Trophy and the future of India-Pakistan cricketing relations.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is preparing to formally challenge the Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) refusal to send the Indian cricket team to Pakistan for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. The PCB has reportedly sought legal advice and will now seek clarification from the ICC regarding India's stance.According to sources, the PCB has consulted with legal experts following guidance from the Pakistan government. The PCB will use this legal consultation in its letter to the ICC, arguing that India's refusal to travel to Pakistan is unjustified.The Pakistan government has also advised the PCB to involve other cricket boards in this issue. The government believes that a match of such importance cannot be played outside Pakistan, given the significance of both countries in the sport.The government has also suggested that the PCB emphasize its positive conduct and attitude while presenting its case. The government believes that India has no moral or legal grounds to refuse to travel to Pakistan.India has not played a bilateral series in Pakistan since 2008. However, India has participated in tournaments hosted by Pakistan in neutral venues. For example, the 2023 Asia Cup was hosted by Pakistan, but India played all its games in Sri Lanka, including the India-Pakistan clash.PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has initiated talks with senior government officials to discuss the future course of action after the ICC conveyed India's unwillingness to tour Pakistan for the Champions Trophy.The PCB's challenge to the ICC is a significant development in the ongoing dispute between the two cricket boards. The outcome of this challenge could have implications for the future of cricket in Pakistan and the relationship between the two countries.

India's decision to decline participation in the Champions Trophy scheduled in Pakistan in 2024 has cast a shadow over the tournament. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed the news, stating that the International Cricket Council (ICC) had informed them of India's withdrawal.The strained diplomatic relations between India and Pakistan have been a major factor in the absence of bilateral cricket series for over a decade. India's last visit to Pakistan was during the 2008 Asia Cup.The Champions Trophy was planned to be held across three Pakistani cities: Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Karachi. However, the final schedule remained uncertain due to India's pending confirmation.Former cricketer Mohammad Hafeez expressed his disappointment on social media, questioning Pakistan's safety and security. He called for a strong response from the government and PCB.Pakistan's participation in the ODI World Cup in India last year had raised hopes for reciprocal participation in the Champions Trophy. However, India's decision has dashed those expectations.The previous Asia Cup saw Pakistan implementing a hybrid model, with India playing their matches, including the final, in Sri Lanka. Since their last bilateral series in 2012-13, both teams have only competed against each other in ICC multi-nation tournaments.India's withdrawal from the Champions Trophy has raised concerns about the future of cricket between the two nations. The PCB has forwarded the ICC's email to the Pakistani government for advice and guidance.

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.

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 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.