Champions Trophy 2025: PCB Wants Written Proof of Indian Govt Denying Permission to Play in Pakistan - Report

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Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) reportedly want Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to provide the International Cricket Council (ICC) a written proof of the Indian government declining permission for the team to travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy 2025.

This comes after reports emerged that ICC is planning to hold next year's Champions Trophy in Hybrid Model with India's matches possibly being played in UAE instead of the originally scheduled host country of Pakistan.

According to a report in PTI, a source close to the PCB has said the board would want BCCI to provide in writing that the Indian government's denial of permission in case the team refuses to travel to Pakistan for next year's Champions Trophy citing a travel ban on security grounds.

The report further adds that the PCB also wants the matter to be sorted as soon as possible, given that the tournament is scheduled in February-March. The provisional schedule revealed all of India's matches were set to be held in Lahore.

"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 working closely with organizing committee 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 also stated.

However, BCCI is yet to confirm if they will travel to the neighbouring country for the tournament. There were rumours that they will not travel at any cost, which was quashed by BCCI vice president Rajeev Shukla last week.

Despite his denial of any official confirmation, the noise surrounding the Champions Trophy in Pakistan and India's denial to travel has not subsided with talks of UAE possibly hosting India's matches and the knockout games if they qualify for the semi-final and final.

PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi has remained confident of hosting the full tournament in Pakistan, but any call may be taken only by the ICC and that may not be any time soon. However, there may some update this week with ICC set to meet in Sri Lanka.

While the ICC annual conference will be held in Colombo on July 19 doesn't have any discussion on 'Hybrid Model' about India playing their games in the UAE on its agenda, the global body as usual has earmarked additional fund in case it becomes a two-country tournament.

The BCCI has maintained that playing cricket in Pakistan is completely a government call and even the 2023 ODI Asia Cup, which was hosted by PCB witnessed India playing all its games in Sri Lanka based on 'Hybrid Model'.

If BCCI sources are to be believed, at this point there is no chance of the Indian team travelling to Pakistan and knowing fully well, the ICC has allocated additional budget for any exigency plan.

"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 source confirmed.

(With PTI inputs)