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BCCI is said to have told ICC it won’t be sending the Indian team to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy next year.
Mohammad Hafeez has taken a dig at BCCI’s stance. (PTI Photo)
Former Pakistan allrounder Mohammad Hafeez has taken a dig at BCCI’s stance over not sending the Indian team across the border for the next year’s Champions Trophy. BCCI has reportedly shot a letter to the International Cricket Council (ICC) about its decision to not tour Pakistan for tournament.
ICC has forwarded the letter to Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) informing them about the development. In turn, PCB has written back to cricket’s global governing body asking clarification on India’s refusal.
Several former Pakistan cricketers have criticised BCCI’s decision with suggestions that PCB boycott the event if India maintains its position.
Former allrounder Mohammad Hafeez says the prospect of India playing in Pakistan was a ‘daydream’ while pointing out that the country has hosted all “cricket nations” but is only considered “not secure” for India.
“It was a daydream that India will come to Pakistan to play #ChampionsTrophy2025. Pakistan is safe & ready to host the event. Pakistan hosting all cricket nations at home but somehow not *secure* for India. Waiting for strong & surprised response from government & PCB,” Hafeez wrote on X.
It was a day dream that India wil come to Pakistan to play. Pakistan is safe & ready to host the event. Pakistan hosting all cricket nations at home but somehow not secure for India. Waiting for strong & surprised response from government & PCB.— Mohammad Hafeez (@MHafeez22) November 11, 2024
ICC may propose hybrid model to PCB for the Champions Trophy which could see India playing their matches at a neutral venue. Should PCB agree, the board will keep the full hosting fee for the tournament.
However, as per various reports, Pakistan government has asked PCB to not move any matches out of the country. There’s also a possibility of Pakistan withdrawing from the tournament itself but in doing so, it could invite ICC sanctions.
Recently, ICC also put on hold the prestigious ODI tournament’s launch event, which was scheduled to be held in Lahore on November 11.
The Indian cricket team hasn’t travelled to Pakistan since the 2008 Mumbai terror strikes and the two teams only compete against each other at ICC or continental events.
