The Board Of Control For Cricket In India (BCCI) has reportedly rejected the Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) plea to help India's travel back to the country after every match of the ICC Champions Trophy. The showpiece event is set to be played in Pakistan, but there is a lot of uncertainty surrounding the tournament given India's unclear stance. The PCB reportedly sent a proposal to BCCI where they promised assistance to the BCCI in India's travel back to Delhi or Chandigarh after every game of the mega event, but BCCI reportedly rejected the proposal.
As per a report in CricketPakistan, who cited a BCCI official's quotes to Dainik Jagran, the BCCI denied receiving any such proposal from the PCB. The source also said even if the board receives any such proposal, they would reject it, maintaining a clear stance that the decision to travel to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy rests on the Indian government’s approval.
India have not toured the country since the Asia Cup 2008. A similar situation arrived when the Asia Cup 2022 was played in a hybrid model after India refused to tour Pakistan for the tournament. PCB, however, maintained a firm stance that they won't allow the Champions Trophy to move out of the country.
The PCB for the most part was optimistic that India would tour Pakistan for the Champions trophy, however, the board reportedly is now mentally prepared for India's refusal to play in Pakistan, and their matches being played in UAE. A PCB source confirmed the development, adding even if India qualify for the Champions Trophy final or they pull out of the tournament, the PCB want the final to be played at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
"The PCB's first choice and priority is to host the entire Champions Trophy in Pakistan and they are counting on this but internally the Board is also mentally prepared to hear about the Indian government not allowing its team to play in Pakistan and India's matches being held in UAE," a PCB source said as quoted by NDTV.
"But the PCB has decided even in the event of India not playing in Pakistan they want the final to be held in Lahore. Even if India qualifies for the final the PCB wants the ICC to hold the match at the Gaddafi stadium in Lahore," the source said.