ICC asks India to submit formal explanation for not playing in Pakistan

Pakistani and Indian players shake hands after the ICC men’s Twenty20 World Cup 2022 cricket match at Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne on October 23, 2022. — AFP

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has asked the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to submit a formal written response explaining India’s reasons for deciding against playing the Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan next year, Geo News reported on Friday, citing sources.

After the BCCI informed the ICC verbally that it would not be participating in the mega-event in Pakistan, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) asked the ICC to share a copy of India’s written response, the sources maintained.

They said that, as per the rules, the Indian board would have to provide solid grounds for not playing the tournament in the country.

“In case of receiving a written reply, Pakistan may seek substantial evidence supporting the reasons,” they said, adding that the ICC would then have to take a final decision about India after reviewing those reasons.

Scheduling of the Champions Trophy, one of the most important cricketing events after the World Cup, hit a snag after India refused to play the Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan.

According to sources, the ICC last week informed the PCB that India would not tour Pakistan for the eight-team tournament.

Pakistan has rejected the option of a hybrid arrangement that would allow India to play their matches at neutral venues, such as in the United Arab Emirates.

Meanwhile, the PCB wrote to the sport’s governing body seeking an explanation for India’s refusal to send a team to the country for the mega cricket event.

Sources privy to the development said that if the Indian cricket body failed to provide proper reasons, then the Indian team would be asked to participate in the cricketing event in Pakistan. If, for any reason, India refuses to play in Pakistan without valid reasons, another team may replace them in the Champions Trophy, they added.

As the ICC earns from the trophy’s broadcast rights, advertisements, and sponsorships, India’s non-participation may deal it a financial blow of $500 million, while the Indian board is estimated to lose $100 million in revenues, according to the sources.