PCB to Formally Address India’s Withdrawal from Champions Trophy with ICC
Lahore, The Gulf Observer: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is preparing to formally engage with the International Cricket Council (ICC) regarding India’s decision to withdraw from the upcoming Champions Trophy, scheduled to be held in Pakistan, as reported by Geo News. This move comes in light of government directives and extensive legal consultations.
According to sources, the PCB will send an official letter to the ICC within the next two days, requesting a detailed explanation for the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) “refusal” to participate. The PCB intends to present a firm stance reflecting government advisory, seeking a written response from the BCCI regarding their decision.
The BCCI had previously communicated verbally to the ICC its decision to refrain from sending the Indian team to Pakistan for the tournament. The ICC subsequently relayed this communication in writing to the PCB. In response, the PCB has consulted with the federal government to strategize its approach.
In addition to addressing the ICC, the PCB plans to engage with other cricket boards to convey Pakistan’s concerns and gather support on this matter. This approach reflects a shift in Pakistan’s sports diplomacy, marking a firmer stance in response to what Islamabad perceives as the politicisation of sports by the Indian government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Sources indicate that the federal government has instructed the PCB to resist any proposal of a hybrid model for the Champions Trophy, which would involve hosting matches outside of Pakistan. Instead, the PCB seeks to underscore the potential implications of India’s absence on international cricket relations, ICC revenues, and the global appeal of Pakistan-India fixtures, known for their significant commercial impact.
The Champions Trophy is a marquee event on the cricketing calendar and is slated to take place in February-March next year in Pakistan. As preparations continue, the PCB remains steadfast in its efforts to ensure fair participation and to address the broader implications of India’s withdrawal.
