Pakistan to stop playing India? PCB discusses future with government after BCCI refuses to tour Pakistan

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi has approached the national government after India refused to travel to their neighbours for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. The Champions Trophy is scheduled to take place in Pakistan in February-March 2025, however, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has told PCB that the Board for Control of Cricket in India (BCCI) is not willing to send its team for the tournament.

The ‘Hybrid Model’ which was also used in Asia Cup 2023 with India playing their matches in Sri Lanka is now the only option.

PCB approaches Pakistan government after BCCI plays hardball

“Mohsin Naqvi, who is the federal interior minister, is in touch with government officials and the wait is now on what directives the Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif gives,” a PCB official told news agency PTI.

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The PCB official also added that there was no valid reason for India refusing to come to Pakistan as they were assured of “best security arrangements”.

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“It’s unacceptable as there is no logical reason for India to again refuse to send its team to Pakistan. Preparations for the event are on schedule and we have already assured the ICC of all the best security arrangements for all teams including India,” the official said.

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Confirming ICC’s mail to PCB over India’s refusal to come to Pakistan, a PCB official said: “The PCB has received an e-mail from the ICC, stating that the Board for Control of Cricket in India (BCCI) has informed them that their team will not travel to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.”

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Pakistan could stop playing India

The PTI report states that the Pakistani government could ask the PCB to stop playing against India in ICC or other multilateral tournaments if they continue to play hardball. It also says that Pakistan could take up the matter with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) as well.

India has not sent its cricket team to Pakistan since the Asia Cup in 2008.

In contrast, Pakistan has made several trips to India, including a bilateral white-ball series in 2012-13, the T20 World Cup in 2016, and last year’s 50-over World Cup.