PCB gives up, pins hope on ICC to convince India to visit Pakistan for ICC Champions Trophy 2025

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reportedly given up on its attempt to try and convince the BCCI to send the Indian team to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

The PCB has the hosting rights for the tournament next year although it could suffer a big blow in its hopes to make the most of the opportunity. While the tournament can give PCB a big and much-needed financial boost, its hopes could suffer a big setback if India decide against visiting Pakistan for the tournament.

As of now, there is very little clarity over the issue although reports state that India are more than unlikely to cross the border for the Champions Trophy next year. And it seems like the PCB has also accepted its fate and has now left it to the ICC to try and convince the BCCI. As per reports, the PCB has submitted the draft schedule to the ICC and is hopeful that the ICC will be able to help its cause.

"The PCB now has done what was required of it as hosts of the Champions Trophy. It has submitted the draft schedule and format for the event and also submitted budget for the event," news agency PTI quoted a PCB insider as saying.

"It is now up to the ICC how soon they circulate, discuss and finalize the schedule of the Champions Trophy. The PCB for its part in the draft schedule has suggested hosting all of India's games in Lahore including a semi-final (if India qualifies) and final," he added.

Another source close to the development said that the PCB has also obtained clearance from its government to host India next year.

"The PCB for its part has given in writing to the ICC about the tax modalities, venue selections and clearance from its government for Indian team to be hosted in Pakistan for the mega event," said the source.

ICC prepares for the worst-case scenario:

While the ICC will definitely make an effort to convince the BCCI to send Team India to Pakistan, it is also preparing for the worst-case scenario. The report stated that the ICC has included supplementary expenses in its tournament budget to address any situation where the Indian team decide against visiting Pakistan.

As far as the BCCI is concerned, it has constantly maintained that the decision to send the Indian team to Pakistan depends on the Indian government. At present, the bilateral ties between the BCCI and the PCB are suspended due to the political tension between the two countries. India have not visited Pakistan since 2008 and are unlikely to visit the country next year as well.