The ongoing tensions between the cricket boards of India and Pakistan have taken another turn, with reports suggesting that Pakistan may refuse to play against India in any future ICC events.

This comes after the BCCI confirmed that India will not travel to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025. The Champions Trophy is set to take place in Pakistan, with India scheduled to play its group matches in Lahore.

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However, India’s refusal has led to a strong reaction from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and officials in Pakistan. The matter reflects broader issues between the two nations, which have not held a bilateral cricket series since 2012 due to political tensions.

The BCCI’s decision not to send India’s team to Pakistan has reportedly prompted the PCB to consider severe actions, including potential withdrawal from future ICC tournaments that involve India.

What is Pakistan’s stand on ICC events?

According to local sources, Pakistan’s government might prevent the PCB from participating in any ICC event from 2024 to 2031 if India refuses to play the Champions Trophy in Pakistan or if the tournament is relocated. PCB officials have expressed frustration with the BCCI’s stance, as they were counting on India’s participation to maintain the tournament’s credibility and appeal.

Former Pakistan cricketer Rashid Latif spoke out about the situation, suggesting that if India doesn’t travel to Pakistan, the PCB may take a firm stance by not playing against India in ICC events.

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“If India doesn’t come this time, Pakistan will take a big step by not participating in the tournament,” Latif told Geo News. Latif said that ICC tournaments rely heavily on the participation of both India and Pakistan, as matches between the two draw immense attention and viewership worldwide.

A strong stance from Pakistan: Government sources have confirmed that a decision has been made for Pakistan to avoid playing against India in any event until India agrees to visit Pakistan.

— Faizan Lakhani (@faizanlakhani) November 10, 2024

How did PCB respond to ICC notification?

The ICC recently informed the PCB about India’s decision not to travel for the Champions Trophy. In response, the PCB reportedly forwarded this notification to the Pakistan government, seeking advice on how to proceed.

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PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi stated that they are awaiting further guidance on the matter. The board has voiced concerns about India’s insistence on a “hybrid” model, where matches would be shifted to a neutral venue like Dubai, which Pakistan finds unacceptable.

The Champions Trophy is scheduled to be held in Pakistan across cities like Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi. This decision marks the first major ICC event hosted in Pakistan in years, further increasing the PCB’s interest in preserving its original structure.

India and Pakistan have a long history of political and sporting tensions, often influencing their cricketing ties. The two nations last played a bilateral series in 2012, and while Pakistan toured India for the 2023 ICC ODI World Cup, India has not reciprocated with a visit.

This divide has led to the PCB reportedly considering legal action by approaching the Court of Arbitration for Sport, seeking a resolution on the BCCI’s decision. If India’s stance remains firm, Pakistan’s response could impact future ICC tournaments. ICC events, including the World Cup and the Champions Trophy, depend on both countries for heightened viewership and sponsorships.