The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is awaiting the International Cricket Council (ICC) to persuade the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to send its team to Pakistan for the highly anticipated Champions Trophy, set to take place in the first quarter of next year.
Budget Approved, Schedule Pending
A recent PCB source revealed that while the ICC has approved the budget for the Champions Trophy during their meetings in Colombo, there was no discussion regarding the tournament’s schedule or format. According to the insider, “The PCB has completed its responsibilities as the host of the Champions Trophy by submitting the draft schedule, format, and budget for the event.”
PCB’s Proposal for India’s Matches
In its draft schedule, the PCB has proposed that all of India’s matches, including a semi-final (should India qualify) and the final, be hosted in Lahore. This proposal aims to streamline the tournament and provide a central venue for key games. The source added, “It is now up to the ICC to circulate, discuss, and finalize the schedule for the Champions Trophy.”
Comprehensive Documentation Submitted
The PCB has already provided detailed documentation to the ICC in its expression of interest as hosts of the Champions Trophy. This includes tax modalities, venue selections, and government clearance for hosting the Indian team. The board initially expressed interest in hosting the event back in 2021 during Ehsan Mani’s tenure as Chairman. The ICC awarded hosting rights in 2022, and the final documentation for the host agreement was submitted when Ramiz Raja was PCB Chairman.
ICC’s Role in Finalizing the Tournament Details
PCB Chief Mohsin Naqvi did not have a formal meeting with BCCI Secretary Jay Shah or other BCCI officials during the ICC meetings. However, interactions between Naqvi and Shah were described as cordial. The PCB has now left it to the ICC to finalize and announce the tournament schedule and to secure confirmation from the BCCI regarding the Indian team’s participation.
ICC’s Contingency Planning
The ICC has included supplementary expenses in its tournament budget to address any potential scenarios where the Indian team might need to play its matches outside Pakistan. This suggests a level of preparedness for a hybrid model, similar to the 2023 ODI Asia Cup, where India played all its matches in Sri Lanka due to geopolitical reasons.
Key Fixtures and Dates
According to the draft schedule, all of India’s matches, including a possible semi-final and final, are set to be held in Lahore. The much-anticipated India vs Pakistan match is scheduled for March 1.
In summary, while the PCB has done its part in preparing for the Champions Trophy, the next steps depend on the ICC’s efforts to finalize the schedule and persuade the BCCI. The inclusion of contingency plans in the budget reflects the ICC’s readiness to manage any potential issues, ensuring the tournament’s success despite the challenges.