Why Champions Trophy dispute could threaten cricket's return to Olympics in 2028, India's bid for 2036 Games

The ongoing stand-off between the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) over next year’s ICC Champions Trophy could reportedly jeopardise cricket’s Olympic comeback in Los Angeles four years from now as well as India’s bid for the 2036 Games.

The ninth edition of the Champions Trophy was scheduled to be hosted in Pakistan in February and March next year. The BCCI, however, have since refused to send the Indian team to their neighbouring country due to security concerns, which has put the tournament in a state of limbo.

Not only has the PCB turned down the BCCI's request for India’s matches taking place outside Pakistan in a ‘Hybrid Model’, they have also threatened to boycott the Champions Trophy as well as subsequent fixtures against the Men in Blue if the tournament is moved out of Pakistan.

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And according to Geo News, Pakistan’s refusal to play India in ICC and ACC events could potentially cause trouble for cricket’s landmark appearance in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Cricket is set to return to the Olympics for the first time since Paris 1900, and the marquee fixture between the two arch-rivals will be crucial for the ICC to ensure the sport leaves behind an lasting impact and remains in the Olympic programme for the 2032 Games in Brisbane.

Pakistan refusing the play India in ‘LA28’, however, could be a body blow for the sport and could have major repurcussions for it’s Olympic future.

“We will not participate in any event against India unless they agree to play in Pakistan,” a government source told the Pakistani news channel.

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While the PCB has refused to budge from its stance of the entire Champions Trophy being played in Pakistan, the BCCI has cited the denial of security clearance from the government as the reason behind their inability to send the Indian team to Pakistan for the first time since 2008. The Pakistan board, however, has since demaned BCCI’s refusal in writing along with explanation for their decision.

Additionally, Pakistan could also oppose India’s bid for the 2036 Olympics, which the Narendra Modi-led government plans on hosting either in New Delhi or in Ahmedabad. As per the report, the Pakistan government could complain to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) regarding the Indian government’s alleged interference in sporting events.

Besides India, Turkey, Indonesia, Chile as well as Saudi Arabia and Qatar are some of the nations in the race to host the 36th Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games.