Months ahead of ICC Men's Champions Trophy 2025, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) wants the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to provide written proof that Indian government has denied them permission to go to Pakistan for the marquee tournament.
While BCCI secretary Jay Shah has said that India will play in Champions Trophy 2025, it is not clear whether Team India will travel to Pakistan for the tournament which is scheduled to be played from February to March.
"If the India government declines permission, it has to be in writing and it is mandatory on the BCCI to provide that letter to the ICC now," the PCB source close to the developments told PTI.
"It is a fact that the we are insistent that the BCCI must inform the ICC about its travel plans to Pakistan at least 5-6 months before the tournament and in writing," the top PCB source added.
All eyes are on ICC's annual conference in Colombo scheduled to be held on July 19. However, a discussion around 'hybrid model' for Champions Trophy so that India can play their matches on neutral venues is not on agenda.
Since the 2023 ODI Asia Cup, the BCCI has maintained its stance that the decision of Team India travelling Pakistan lies with the government. As a result, India played their matches in Sri Lanka and Pakistan ended up hosting a handful of games.
Proposed schedule for ICC Champions Trophy 2025
Earlier this month, PCB submitted its draft schedule for Champions Trophy 2025. India's all matches are scheduled to be played in Lahore. If India reach semifinal and final, then these matches will be played in Lahore as well. Also, the date for high-voltage clash between India and Pakistan has been set for March 1. The tournament is expected to begin on February 19 and end on March 9 in Lahore. There is a reserve day allotted for the final as well.
Contingency plan in place
Meanwhile, the BCCI sources have not given a major update regarding Champions Trophy. However, the ICC has additional funds if another country co-hosts the event.
"The ICC Management is recommending additional costs just in case it is necessary to play some matches outside Pakistan if such a situation arises later on," the BCCI source confirmed.
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