The International Cricket Council is left with limited options after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) responded to an email informing Pakistan about India’s decision not to travel to the neighbouring country for the ICC Champions Trophy.
According to informed sources, the PCB has written a letter to the ICC seeking answers to a few critical questions.
Sources indicate that the PCB has asked the cricket’s governing body when the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) informed them that the Indian cricket team would not participate in the Champions Trophy scheduled to be held in Pakistan in February 2025.
The PCB has also inquired whether the BCCI has formally notified the ICC in writing about their refusal.
Additionally, the PCB has questioned the reasons provided by the Indian cricket board, if any, for their decision not to visit Pakistan.The PCB has also requested a copy of the written communication from the BCCI explaining their reasons, so these can be reviewed.
Another question raised by the PCB is how the ICC has responded to the BCCI’s refusal to send their team.
Sources suggest that after obtaining answers to these questions, the PCB plans to seek legal advice and consult with the government for guidance in formulating its next steps.
However, sources have also stated that if India indeed refuses to send its cricket team to Pakistan and the ICC accepts this refusal, the PCB will categorically refuse to play any matches against the Indian cricket team during the Champions Trophy under any circumstances.
Meanwhile, contrary to the reports in the Indian press that suggested that the ICC could move the event outside of Pakistan, the sources said that there’s no such development.
