'It is now up to...': Pakistan Cricket Board on India's participation in 2025 Champions Trophy | Cricket News - Times of India

NEW DELHI: The Pakistan Cricket Board ( PCB ) has left it up to the International Cricket Council (ICC) to convince the Board of Control...

NEW DELHI: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has left it up to the International Cricket Council (ICC) to convince the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to send its team to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy, scheduled for the first quarter of next year.
The event's budget was recently approved during recent ICC meetings in Colombo but the schedule and format were not discussed at all, a PCB source said.
"The PCB now has done what was required of it as hosts of the Champions Trophy. It has submitted the draft schedule and format for the event and also submitted budget for the event,” news agency PTI quoted a PCB insider as saying.
"It is now up to the ICC how soon they circulate, discuss and finalize the schedule of the Champions Trophy. The PCB for its part in the draft schedule has suggested hosting all of India's games in Lahore including a semi-final (if India qualifies) and final," he said.
Another source confirmed that the PCB has already submitted all necessary details in its expression of interest document with the ICC.
"The PCB for its part has given in writing to the ICC about the tax modalities, venue selections and clearance from its government for Indian team to be hosted in Pakistan for the mega event,” he added.
The PCB initially expressed interest in hosting the Champions Trophy in 2021 when Ehsan Mani was Chairman of the board. Hosting rights were awarded by the ICC in 2022, and final documentation for the host agreement was submitted when Ramiz Raja served as PCB Chairman.
Although PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi did not have any formal meetings with BCCI secretary Jay Shah or other BCCI officials at the ICC meetings, interactions were described as cordial.
The PCB has now relegated the responsibility of finalizing and announcing the tournament schedule to the ICC.
The ICC also needs to obtain confirmation from the BCCI regarding the Indian team’s travel to Pakistan.
The ICC has included supplementary expenses in its tournament budget to address scenarios where the Indian team might have to play matches outside Pakistan.
Historically, the BCCI has maintained that playing cricket in Pakistan is a decision made by the Indian government.
During the 2023 ODI Asia Cup, India played its games in Sri Lanka based on a 'Hybrid Model.'
According to the draft schedule, all of India's matches, including a potential semi-final and final, have been slated for Lahore. The marquee India vs Pakistan match is scheduled for March 1.
The PCB has fulfilled all its duties as hosts, from submitting the draft schedule and budget to providing detailed documentation to the ICC. Now, the ball is in ICC's court to finalize the event logistics and secure India's participation.

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