The Secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Jay Shah, has finally addressed the ongoing speculation regarding the Indian cricket team’s potential visit to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy in February next year.
The ICC Champions Trophy is scheduled to take place in Pakistan in early 2024. However, India’s participation is still in doubt as the BCCI is awaiting government approval for the team to travel to the neighboring country.
In a recent interview with the Times of India, Jay Shah was asked about the chances of India participating in the Champions Trophy in Pakistan.
“No decision has been finalized yet,” Shah stated, adding, “No stand as of now. We will cross the bridge when it comes.”
According to the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) proposed schedule to the International Cricket Council (ICC), three venues—Karachi, Rawalpindi, and Lahore—are set to host the matches. All of India’s matches are expected to take place in Lahore.
The PCB has allocated Rs12.80 billion for the upgradation of three stadiums: Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, Karachi’s National Bank Cricket Arena, and Rawalpindi International Cricket Stadium, in preparation for the marquee event.
Aside from India, all eight teams participating in the ICC Champions Trophy have previously played in Pakistan. The PCB believes that India lacks a strong reason to avoid participating in the tournament.
The proposed dates for the ICC Champions Trophy are from 19th February to 9th March 2024. This event will mark the return of the ICC Champions Trophy after an eight-year hiatus, with the last edition taking place in 2017, where Pakistan emerged victorious by defeating India in the final.
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