Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) faces uncertainty regarding the upcoming Champions Trophy scheduled for February next year. While the PCB has submitted the tournament schedule to the ICC, India's participation remains doubtful due to security concerns.
Reports suggest the Indian government will have the final say on whether skipper Rohit Sharma and his men will travel to Pakistan. This comes after India abstained from the 2023 Asia Cup held in Pakistan, opting for a hybrid model with matches hosted in neutral venues.
The influential Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is believed to be pressuring the ICC on this matter. This creates a tense situation between the two cricketing giants, with a long history of political friction impacting sporting ties.
The PCB has reportedly proposed Lahore as the venue for India's group stage matches, assuring top-notch security arrangements. However, Indian media reports suggest the BCCI remains unfazed, with an unnamed official downplaying the possibility of a Pakistan tour.
The report further states that a hybrid model, similar to the Asia Cup, could be a possible solution. This would see India playing their matches at a neutral venue. The issue is expected to be a major talking point at the ICC's upcoming board meeting in Sri Lanka.
