Amidst BCCI making its decision clear that India won’t travel to Pakistan for Champions Trophy 2025 and suggesting a hybrid model, former PCB chief Khalid Mahmood admits that India might not come for the ICC tournament.
Speaking on cricket Pakistan Mahmood says ‘There are very, very slim chances they will agree to play in Pakistan. India is the richest cricket board and carries a lot of clout. If they don’t send their team to Pakistan I foresee even countries like Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh following their path.’
Moreover, he also believes, that it would not be beneficial for Pakistan if utilize tit-for-tat strategy against BCCI.
Elaborating more on his point he said ‘Look the thing is at this level you can only lobby and try to convince other boards to be on your side. India has too much clout in the ICC it would do no good for Pakistan to adopt a tit-for-tat strategy. Thing is when the BCCI says it can’t send its team and will play its matches outside Pakistan, it does reduce the purpose for Pakistan of hosting an ICC event.’
However, according to media reports, Pakistan is in no mood to change its position on champions trophy matter. It wants to be ‘Pakistan’s event in Pakistan’.
Moreover, the PCB has already given its draft to ICC. In this draft, India’s matches are also included. As per given schedule, India’s matches are reportedly given to Lahore, which also includes semi-final and final.
The high-profile India vs Pakistan match will likely be held on March 1. As for champions trophy, it is scheduled on February 19 in Karachi and final will be on March 9 at Lahore.