The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has been informed by the International Cricket Council (ICC) that India will not participate in any Champions Trophy games slated to occur in Pakistan next year, confirmed a PCB spokesperson. The announcement was made over an email from the ICC.
Pakistan is scheduled to host the tournament between Feb 19 and March 9. In response to ICC’s email, PCB has sought advice from the Pakistani government.
Despite hosting the previous Asia Cup, Pakistan has seen India steer clear, with all Indian matches conducted in Sri Lanka under a hybrid hosting model. Political tensions have deterred the Indian team from traveling to Pakistan since 2008, limiting their meetings to multi-nation tournaments.
Exorbitant amounts were expended by the PCB on upgrading stadiums in Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi, which are scheduled to host 15 Champions Trophy matches. PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi is hopeful of the stadiums being ready in two months and has dismissed the idea of a shared hosting model.
Participation in the yet-to-be-scheduled tournament is expected from Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, England, Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, and Afghanistan.