ICC seeks clarification from BCCI

The PCB has sought ICC's logical response after BCCI's refusal

KARACHI:

The Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) reluctance and the Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) firm stance on hosting the 2025 Champions Trophy have created a complex situation for the International Cricket Council (ICC).

With Pakistan's strong position on hosting the tournament, ICC's options have become increasingly limited.

The PCB has already rejected the possibility of a hybrid model for the event, posing a challenge for the ICC if it considers moving the tournament out of Pakistan. To relocate the Champions Trophy from Pakistan, the ICC would need to establish clear, substantial reasons for such a decision.

The PCB's letter to the ICC, directed at the organization's leadership, seeks clarification on a number of points about the Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) stance.

In the letter, the PCB has asked when the BCCI officially informed the ICC of its intention not to send the Indian team to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy. The PCB is also seeking to know if this refusal was communicated to the ICC in writing and, if so, the reasons cited by the BCCI for this decision.

Furthermore, the PCB has requested a copy of any written statement issued by the BCCI that outlines these reasons, aiming to better understand the basis for India's decision.

The PCB's letter includes a request for information on any response provided by the ICC to the BCCI's refusal to participate. Sources indicate that once these responses are received, the PCB plans to consult legal advisors and, subsequently, discuss the situation with the government before finalizing its future course of action.

Sources also noted that if India's withdrawal is confirmed and the ICC acknowledges this decision, the PCB will likely refuse to schedule any matches against India in the Champions Trophy.

Ex PCB chief backs Pakistan's stance

Former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Khalid Mahmood has endorsed Pakistan's position regarding the ICC Champions Trophy.

Speaking on a local news channel, Mahmood emphasized that India should reconsider its approach, stating that Pakistan's stance on hosting the Champions Trophy is justified. He urged the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to approach the matter with a fresh perspective.

He was joined in the discussion with an Indian journalist Chandresh Narayanan. Chandresh added that major developments in Pakistan-India cricket relations could emerge in the coming days. He also noted that the ICC should have considered India's travel concerns when awarding Pakistan the tournament's hosting rights.

Former cricketer Saleem Yousuf also have echoed the sentiment, urging India to prioritize the spirit of cricket, stating, "Players have no boundaries." He pointed out that Pakistan has consistently chosen to play in India whenever possible and now expects India to reciprocate by not refusing to play in Pakistan.

ICC seeks clarification from BCCI

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is actively working to address the concerns raised by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) regarding India's possible withdrawal from visiting Pakistan for the upcoming 2025 Champions Trophy.

Following the PCB's formal communication, which raised questions about India's stance on the hybrid model, the ICC has reached out to the BCCI for clarification.

Sources confirm that the PCB has been actively engaging with other cricket boards, informing them of the Indian board's position, which has placed the ICC in a challenging position. Pakistan, steadfast in its opposition to the hybrid model, has expressed dissatisfaction with the current situation, further complicating matters for the governing body.

The ICC is expected to take a few days to craft a detailed response to the PCB's inquiries. According to reports, after Pakistan outlined its concerns regarding India's refusal, the ICC initiated discussions with the Indian Cricket Board to clarify the matter and gather the necessary information to respond adequately to the PCB's email.

Additionally, the Indian Cricket Board is expected to issue a written statement after thorough consideration of the legal implications involved. The ICC will base its formal reply to the PCB on this statement. In the meantime, ICC officials are consulting with other cricketing nations to explore possible solutions to the ongoing issue between Pakistan and India.