Play in Pakistan and return residence the identical day, PCB's proposal for India

India’s captain Rohit Sharma and Pakistan’s captain Babar Azam
| Photograph Credit score: Okay.R. Deepak

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reached out to the BCCI and proposed an association permitting India to return to both New Delhi or Chandigarh in between matches throughout the Champions Trophy subsequent yr if the group isn’t keen to remain in Pakistan on account of safety causes.

The PCB has “verbally” advised to the BCCI that the Indian group can arrange a camp in both New Delhi or Chandigarh/Mohali and use chartered flights to journey to Lahore for his or her matches.

A PCB supply although confirmed to PTI on Friday (October 18, 2024) that the board had not made any strategies in writing to their Indian counterparts.

“However sure it’s true that these choices have been mentioned verbally between officers as a approach to make sure that India performs its matches in Pakistan,” the supply stated.

The Champions Trophy is slated to happen from February 19 to March 9, with matches scheduled in Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Karachi.

On account of its proximity to the Indian border and logistical ease, the PCB has deliberate India’s matches in Lahore.

India’s three group-stage matches within the event are slated for February 20 (towards Bangladesh), February 23 (towards Pakistan), and March 2 (towards New Zealand).

The PCB is nevertheless adamant that the ultimate should be held in Lahore no matter whether or not India performs in Pakistan or not.

The Indian group has lengthy hole between its group matches and Lahore is positioned near the Indian border.

The ICC is contemplating a hybrid mannequin for the event, with some matches performed outdoors of Pakistan.

The hybrid mannequin is being thought-about on account of India’s unlikely participation within the event, as they haven’t toured Pakistan since 2008.

The ICC is exploring various venues, reminiscent of Dubai and Sri Lanka, to host the matches.