'Mr. India, Spare Cricket'

The BCCI has formally refused to play the Champions Trophy in Pakistan

"This time, the Indian team will surely come to Pakistan. After all, England, Australia, South Africa, New Zealand—all have played here recently, and even their ministers have visited. India has no excuse left."

Just a few days ago, not only ordinary Pakistani fans but also former cricketers and officials shared this sentiment, believing that the Champions Trophy would help break the ice. However, some farsighted individuals saw no chance of this, arguing that cricket would be the last element to improve Pakistan-India relations.

This has now proven true, as India's government has dismissed any chance of fostering friendship through sports. If things had gone well, ICC officials would have been in Lahore on Monday to announce the Champions Trophy schedule, but this event has been postponed, putting the tournament itself in doubt.

Pakistan is set to host an ICC event after years, and excitement is high. The PCB has spent billions on stadium renovations to leave a good impression during the tournament. They even extended an offer to the Indian board, proposing that the Indian team could play their matches and then depart to a nearby Indian city via the Wagah border.

However, no response came, and the BCCI continued to leak information to the media, saying they would need government approval to participate—despite Jay Shah's significant control over the board. His father, Amit Shah, is the Minister of Home Affairs, so Jay Shah has likely never had to ask, "What's the plan with Pakistan?" It may already be decided that the team won't go.

The PCB has always requested written confirmation from India, but they have never received a definitive answer, neither "yes" nor "no." Even now, it's unlikely, as there's no valid reason for India to refuse. Security can't be an excuse anymore, given that all other teams have played here without any issue. The "hybrid model" proposal, floated again now, already failed during the Asia Cup when India played their matches in Sri Lanka.

Rain and logistical issues turned that event into a nightmare. In past instances, such as the 1996 World Cup, teams refused to play in certain host countries, but there was no talk of a hybrid model then. Now, when it's Pakistan's turn, such solutions are being proposed.

Though Jay Shah hasn't officially become the ICC boss, his influence is immense. The council has taken this matter too lightly. During the Asia Cup, Pakistan itself insisted on a hybrid model to save the event, but Mohsin Naqvi has taken a firm stance and wants to resolve this issue permanently.

Standing for national dignity, he has taken a tough stance, which every patriotic Pakistani supports. Why should it be acceptable that Pakistan is expected to play in India when they host, but a "hybrid model" is suggested when it's Pakistan's turn?

Yes, India is a big cricket market, but a major share of ICC revenue comes from Pakistan-India matches. If Pakistan doesn't participate in an ICC event, then let's see how much the TV rights and sponsorships are worth.

Why does the ICC schedule a Pakistan-India match in every event? Because a large portion of its revenue comes from these matches, so we shouldn't be intimidated. For years, India has avoided bilateral cricket with us, but has that ended our cricket? We've still developed stars like Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi through matches against other teams. Billions are being spent on stadiums, so it's clear we don't have a shortage of funds.

Pakistani players aren't allowed in the IPL, but our PSL is thriving. The current Indian government wins elections by selling anti-Pakistan rhetoric, creating fear in their public. If the Indian team had come, Mohsin Naqvi had already announced that fans from India would receive visa facilitation.

Memories from their last tour are still fresh in the minds of Indian cricketers, like Sehwag, who recall shopkeepers in Pakistan refusing to take payment from them. Even regular fans have positive memories. Young people filled with hatred from Modi's government could have visited, experienced the hospitality, and returned to India with changed perspectives, realizing they had been misled about Pakistan.

This could undermine BJP's entire politics, so why would Indian politicians want their team to visit Pakistan?

The situation has now become very complex. The ICC must find a solution, or else it will suffer losses as well. India should reconsider how long they intend to perpetuate this cycle of hatred. This time, the PCB has adopted a strong stance, and Mohsin Naqvi deserves credit for it. Negotiations must happen on equal footing. For the first time, this approach is being taken. Let's see what resolution emerges from this situation.