The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has declined a revised proposal from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) that suggested allowing the Indian team to return home after each match in ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
The PCB offered to facilitate convenient travel arrangements for Team India, allowing them to cross the border after each match, given the proximity of Lahore to the India-Pakistan border.
However, as per Dainik Jagran, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has not formally approached the BCCI with the proposal regarding Team India's travel arrangements. The official clarified that no such request has been received.
The latest development deals a notable setback to the PCB's dreams of hosting the entire Champions Trophy in Pakistan. Although the seven other participating nations have committed to travelling to Pakistan for the tournament, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) remains undecided on India's participation.
Pakistan's cricket team has travelled to India for major tournaments, including the 2016 T20 World Cup and the upcoming 2023 ODI World Cup. However, India's national cricket team has not reciprocated with a visit to Pakistan. A significant exception was the Asia Cup 2023, where India opted out of playing in Pakistan, leading to a hybrid hosting model. Instead, India played their matches, including the final, in Sri Lanka, which co-hosted the tournament alongside Pakistan.
Earlier, Cricbuzz reported that in a bid to ease security concerns, the PCB has written to the BCCI, proposing an innovative solution. As reported by Cricbuzz, the letter suggests allowing Team India to play their matches in Pakistan and then return to Indian cities, specifically Delhi and Chandigarh.
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Meanwhile, BCCI has reaffirmed that India's participation in the Champions Trophy in Pakistan hinges on approval from the Indian government. On the other hand, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) remains keen on hosting the entire tournament within Pakistan.