The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has approached the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) with a proposal for the upcoming Champions Trophy. If India has security concerns about staying in Pakistan, the PCB suggested that the Indian team could return to either New Delhi or Chandigarh between matches.
According to a PCB source, the proposal, shared verbally, includes the option for India to set up a camp in these cities and use chartered flights to travel to Lahore for their games. However, the PCB has not yet submitted this plan in writing to the BCCI.
PCB Proposes India’s Participation in ICC Champions Trophy
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reached out to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to offer support in ensuring India’s participation in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which is set to take place in Pakistan.
According to a report from Cricbuzz, the PCB has suggested an arrangement that would allow the Indian team to travel back to either Chandigarh or New Delhi between matches if they prefer not to stay in Pakistan due to security concerns. This proposal has emerged during ongoing discussions between officials from both countries, with the topic also being raised during External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s recent visit to Pakistan.
In its letter to the BCCI, the PCB has outlined a plan to accommodate India’s travel needs, particularly as there is nearly a week between India’s last two group-stage matches. The aim is to address security concerns while ensuring the tournament runs smoothly.
Additionally, the PCB has scheduled all of India’s games in Lahore for easier logistics, as the city’s location near the Indian border makes it convenient for Indian fans.
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ICC Considers Hybrid Model for Champions Trophy 2025
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is set to take place from February 19 to March 9, with matches happening in three major cities of Pakistan: Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Karachi.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to hold India’s matches in Lahore because it is close to the Indian border, making it easier for the team to travel. India has three group-stage matches lined up: one against Bangladesh on February 20, one against Pakistan on February 23, and another against New Zealand on March 2.
The PCB has also made it clear that the final match of the tournament must be held in Lahore, whether or not India participates. The reason for scheduling India’s games in Lahore is not just for the convenience of travel, but also because India has long gaps between its group-stage matches. Since Lahore is near the Indian border, it becomes a more practical location for both the team and Indian fans.
However, India hasn’t toured Pakistan since 2008 due to security concerns, making it uncertain whether the Indian team will play in Pakistan this time. Because of this, the International Cricket Council (ICC) is thinking about a “hybrid model” for the tournament.
In this model, some matches would be played outside Pakistan in other countries like Dubai or Sri Lanka. This would allow India to participate in the Champions Trophy without having to travel to Pakistan. The ICC is currently exploring these alternative venues to ensure the tournament goes smoothly, especially if India decides not to play in Pakistan.
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FAQs
Q.1. What is the PCB’s proposal for India’s participation in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025?
Ans. The PCB has suggested that India can travel back to New Delhi or Chandigarh between matches for security reasons, using chartered flights to Pakistan for their games.
Q.2. When is the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 scheduled?
Ans. The tournament is set to take place from February 19 to March 9, 2025, in Pakistan.
Q.3. Where will India’s matches be held during the ICC Champions Trophy2025?
Ans. India’s matches are planned to be held in Lahore due to its proximity to the Indian border and logistical convenience.
Q.4. Why is the ICC considering a hybrid model for the tournament?
Ans. The ICC is considering a hybrid model to allow India to participate without traveling to Pakistan, with matches potentially being held in other countries like Dubai or Sri Lanka.
Q.5. Has India confirmed its participation in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025?
Ans. India has not yet confirmed participation due to security concerns, and discussions are ongoing.
