BCCI’s Stance On Champions Trophy Explained After ICC Delights Pakistan With ‘No Plans To Move Out’ Verdict (Source: AP/ICC)
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) can breathe a sigh of relief as ICC confirmed they have no plans to move the Champions Trophy out of Pakistan. India’s unclear stance on their tour to Pakistan left PCB gasping for breath. The team has not played in Pakistan since the 2008 Asia Cup and the gloomy political ties between the countries did not give much hope that things would change for the Champions Trophy.
“As of now, the Champions Trophy is scheduled to be staged in Pakistan and we have no such plans to move it out of there. We are trying to find a solution but for the time being, we are sticking to the same plans,” said Allardice at an event in UAE.
PCB will be delighted after ICC’s assurance and the planning now needs to be done by the BCCI. The board will have two options, either to play the Champions Trophy in Pakistan or pull out of the tournament. The Indian cricket team, coach Gautam Gambhir, and BCCI want to play the showpiece event, however, the ball lies in the govenment’s court. As of now, BCCI have not given any solid statement regarding the Pakistan tour for the Champions Trophy, but, certainly, they won’t play in Pakistan without the government’s approval.
Given the current scenario, it looks unlikely they would be given the permission to play, however, governments of both countries could figure out a way where Indian team plays in Pakistan but stays in India. A few pundits have suggested India could possibly stay in Amritsar and take a short flight to Pakistan for the match and then return to India on the same day.
