Politicising cricket

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has ruled out the "hybrid model" for next year's ICC Champions Trophy if India refuses to visit Pakistan to play its scheduled matches. The two nations last played a bilateral series in 2012, with Pakistan visiting India last year to participate in the ICC World Cup despite increased tensions between the two neighbours. The visit, if anything, heightened expectations of India returning the favour by touring Pakistan for the Champions Trophy. However, the BCCI has yet to give a firm answer and is most likely waiting for the country's political leadership to make the call. India's refusal to travel to Pakistan for the Asia Cup, which the latter hosted last year, saw the PCB compromise by implementing the "hybrid model".

The hybrid model, a proposal that suggests scheduling some matches in the host country and others at neutral venues, was seen as a potential solution. Naqvi's position is understandable given that the Champions Trophy is a prestigious tournament with a history of being hosted by a single nation, offering a unique experience for both players and fans. Also, the Team Pakistan visited India despite security threats, and the Indian side proved to be good hosts. It is only natural for the PCB to expect Team India to now visit Pakistan. Many Western cricket-playing nations have toured the country over the past few years, with England playing in Pakistan just last month and the local authorities have provided top-tier security and hospitality to the visiting sides. If India decides to not play in Pakistan, it will be a purely political decision and detrimental to international cricket. The ICC should play a mediating role and not lean towards favouring India in the spirit of the sport. Cricket should not become a victim to the whims of political leaders.