The Indian cricket team has officially decided against traveling to Pakistan for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy scheduled next year, marking the return of this prestigious tournament after an eight-year hiatus.© AFP
This determination was communicated to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), which underscored ongoing security concerns as the primary reason for their stance. As detailed in a report by the Indian Express, a BCCI official remarked, “This has been our stance and there is no reason to change that. We have written to them and asked them to shift our games to Dubai,” highlighting their preference for the safety of playing in Dubai instead of Pakistan.
The last major event hosted by Pakistan was the Asia Cup in 2023, executed under a ‘Hybrid Model’ where the Indian team played its matches in Sri Lanka, including the crucial final.
This latest decision unfolds following a recent meeting between India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation meeting in Islamabad. This exchange has raised questions about the ongoing tensions surrounding bilateral sports competition.
Reports also surfaced indicating that the PCB had proposed a plan wherein the Indian cricket team would return to India after each match, but the BCCI has firmly declined this option, reinforcing their unwillingness to set foot in Pakistan.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) is unlikely to intervene in this matter, as it traditionally refrains from pressuring any board to act against its government policies, showcasing the complexities of international cricket diplomacy.
According to the tentative schedule issued by the PCB, the highly anticipated match between rival teams India and Pakistan is currently set to take place in Lahore on March 1 next year, promising to be one of the highlights of the tournament.
The tournament is expected to kick off on February 19, 2025, with Pakistan poised to face New Zealand in Karachi, while the grand finale is planned for March 9 at Lahore’s iconic Gaddafi Stadium.
For strategic safety and logistical considerations, it is noteworthy that all matches featuring India have been earmarked for Lahore.
The PCB is actively advocating for the ICC to finalize and announce the tournament schedule by next week, as several senior officials from the governing body are scheduled to visit Lahore to discuss further details.
**Interview with Ravi Shastri, Former Indian Cricket Team Coach, on BCCI’s Decision Regarding the ICC Champions Trophy**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Ravi. Recently, the BCCI announced that the Indian cricket team will not travel to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy next year. What do you make of this decision?
**Ravi Shastri:** Thank you for having me. It’s a tough situation, but I believe the BCCI’s decision is based on substantial concerns regarding security. When it comes to the safety of the players, that has to be the top priority.
**Interviewer:** The BCCI has mentioned ongoing security concerns as a reason for their decision. Do you think this reflects a broader issue regarding international cricket in Pakistan?
**Ravi Shastri:** Absolutely. While Pakistan has made strides in hosting games, international teams are still apprehensive, considering the history of security issues. The BCCI’s request to shift matches to Dubai speaks volumes about their stance. Dubai has become a neutral ground that assures safety and brings fans together without the same level of worry.
**Interviewer:** The last major event in Pakistan was the Asia Cup in 2023. What are your thoughts on how that was handled under the ‘Hybrid Model’?
**Ravi Shastri:** The Hybrid Model was a unique solution that allowed cricket to progress while acknowledging security fears. It showed that cricket can adapt and still thrive even when there are obstacles. The successful execution of the Asia Cup was a step in the right direction, but the lingering concerns prevent a full return of international cricket in Pakistan.
**Interviewer:** It seems like this decision might affect the spirit of cricket in the region. What’s your take on that?
**Ravi Shastri:** It’s unfortunate. Cricket brings people together, and such decisions can hinder that unity. However, safety cannot be compromised. I hope in the future, we can reach a point where such decisions aren’t necessary, and teams can play freely in Pakistan.
**Interviewer:** Looking ahead, how do you see the future of cricket between India and Pakistan?
**Ravi Shastri:** The passion for cricket in both countries is immense, and while current situations pose challenges, I am optimistic. Both boards must work towards creating a safer environment for players. If they can collaborate on security and logistics, we might see a brighter cricketing future together.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Ravi, for your insights!
**Ravi Shastri:** Thank you for having me. Let’s hope for a positive outcome in the near future for cricket enthusiasts on both sides.
