New Delhi: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday stated that it is unlikely that the Indian cricket team will travel to Pakistan for the upcoming Champions Trophy, citing security concerns.
The announcement comes as the International Cricket Council (ICC) holds an emergency online meeting to resolve the impasse surrounding the tournament.
“The BCCI has issued a statement regarding the security issues in Pakistan, and it is unlikely that the Indian cricket team will travel for the event,” said the MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal. “Please refer to the BCCI’s statement for further details.”
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has formally communicated to the ICC that the Indian team will not travel to Pakistan, citing government directives. BCCI vice president Rajeev Shukla reiterated the board’s position while confirming ongoing discussions. “A decision will be taken after evaluating the situation. Our top priority is the safety of the players. Hybrid mode is also an option,” he said.
Meanwhile, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has criticised the imbalance in cricketing ties, accusing Indian authorities of unfair practices. “Pakistan will not keep participating in events in India when Indian authorities refuse to send their teams to Pakistan.
Such an imbalance is not acceptable,” Naqvi said during an impromptu press conference in Lahore late on Wednesday night.
The PCB Chairman vowed to protect Pakistan’s interests and reaffirmed the PCB’s rejection of the proposed hybrid model, which would see some matches played outside Pakistan. “If ICC members vote for the hybrid model, our stance remains firm. We will safeguard Pakistan’s interests,” Naqvi added.
The ICC, under pressure to resolve the standoff, faces additional challenges with the Champions Trophy already behind schedule. As per contractual obligations, the ICC must release fixtures 90 days before the tournament to allow its business partners to capitalise on commercial opportunities.
With only 80 days remaining, the delay could lead to financial repercussions for all stakeholders.
UNI
