PCB Wants BCCI to Provide Written Proof If Indian Government Refuses Permission to Play in Pakistan: Report

Amidst speculations over India refusing to travel to Pakistan for the 2025 Champions Trophy, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) reportedly wants BCCI to provide a written proof that their government has denied permission to send its team across the border.

The last time India toured Pakistan was in 2008 for the Asia Cup and the last bilateral series between the two opponents was held in 2012.

India and Pakistan only play each other in ICC and continental events with the bilateral cricket ties being suspended due to strained relations between the two nations.

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Last year too, after BCCI refused to send its team to Pakistan for the Asia Cup, the tournament was held in a Hybrid model with India playing all their matches in Sri Lanka.

As per reports, the BCCI has requested ICC to follow Hybrid Model for the Champions Trophy too.

“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 news agency 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 PCB source added.

Meanwhile, the ICC has already allocated additional budget for the Champions Trophy should there be a need to play matches outside Pakistan.

“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.

The BCCI in the past has claimed that sending team to Pakistan is completely the call of Indian government.

Champions Trophy is returning after a gap of eight years with Pakistan, who are also the defending champions, hosting the tournament for the first time in their history. A draft schedule of the tourney has already been submitted to the ICC with India and Pakistan in the same group.

The event will be played from February 19 to March 9.