The ongoing tension between the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has placed the International Cricket Council (ICC) in a challenging position. The BCCI has officially informed the ICC that the Indian team will not travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy. Meanwhile, the PCB, which has resisted adopting the hybrid model, has demanded clarity from the ICC regarding India’s stance.
BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla reaffirmed India’s position, emphasizing that the board will act in accordance with the government’s advice. Speaking to ANI, Shukla stated, “We are very clear about it, and it’s our policy that – whatever the government asks us, whatever the direction it gives, we will do according to that – we have conveyed this to ICC as well.”
Adding to the controversy, the ICC has suspended the Champions Trophy tour in disputed Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) after strong objections from the BCCI. Sources within the PCB suggested that Pakistan may remove one of the four contentious cities from the tour. However, reports indicate that the ICC may require the PCB to eliminate all disputed locations to ensure the tournament proceeds without further political implications.
BCCI secretary Jay Shah reportedly engaged with ICC officials on Friday to express India’s concerns about the PCB’s inclusion of PoK in the trophy tour. Shah strongly condemned the move, further intensifying the diplomatic and logistical challenges surrounding the event.
The ICC now faces the daunting task of mediating between the BCCI and PCB while ensuring the successful organization of the eight-nation tournament. With India firm on its decision and the PCB pressing for clarity, the future of the Champions Trophy hangs in the balance.
