The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) dispatched a letter to the International Cricket Council (ICC). It requested clarification on India’s position for participation in the 2025 Champions Trophy, which is set to be hosted in Pakistan.

In a formal correspondence to ICC Chairman Greg Barclay, the PCB solicited information regarding the timing of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)’s notification to the ICC over its likely withdrawal from the event.

The PCB’s correspondence also seeks to ascertain whether the BCCI has provided an official, written denial to the ICC, detailing the rationale for the Indian cricket team’s possible non-participation. The PCB has requested the ICC to furnish a copy of any formal correspondence from the BCCI elucidating the reasoning behind their position. The PCB intends to meticulously examine these grounds to comprehend the rationale for the decision.

The ICC’s stance regarding India’s involvement

The PCB has urged the ICC to clarify its stance on the BCCI’s refusal to dispatch the team. The PCB requests clarification on the ICC’s intentions regarding the formal acceptance of India’s withdrawal and its implications for the tournament’s structure and schedule.

Strategy of PCB

The PCB has indicated its intention to seek legal counsel in light of the ICC’s statement, while also intending to confer with the Pakistani government to coordinate future steps. PCB authorities assert that should India officially withdraw and the ICC acquiesce to their absence, Pakistan may decline to compete against India in Champions Trophy matches held at any venue outside of Pakistan.

Sources indicate that PCB’s response strategy will be formulated following ICC’s official reply. The scenario underscores potential geopolitical tensions that may affect cricketing relations between the two countries.

Former cricket player Basit Ali talked about India’s bid to compete in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy and recommended that the PCB use a similar approach to Sri Lanka’s World Cup 1996 strategy.

Although it is unclear if India would compete in the tournament, the ninth Champions Trophy is set to take place in Pakistan during the February–March timeframe in 2025.

The Indian media had reported that Team India will not be traveling to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy due to security concerns, citing a source from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

Furthermore, sources verified on Sunday that the PCB was notified by the International Cricket Council (ICC) that the Indian government has prohibited its cricket team from traveling to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy.

Basit Ali was among the numerous Pakistani players who were upset to hear of India’s rejection. The former batsman said in a video posted on his own YouTube account that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) take a cue from Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC).

For those who are not familiar, Sri Lanka won the World Cup 1996, which was co-hosted by Pakistan, India, and Sri Lanka.

But because Australia and the West Indies declined to visit Sri Lanka due to security concerns, the competition was marred with controversy like to that of the Champions Trophy 2025.

While Sri Lanka promised complete security for the squad, Australia and the West Indies stuck to their guns.

Due to a firm stand on both sides, Sri Lanka was given games against Australia and the West Indies on forfeit by the International Cricket Council (ICC). Sri Lanka advanced to the quarterfinals without having to play a match after earning four crucial points.

In a similar vein, Basit Ali asked the PCB to avoid playing India at a neutral location. Additionally, he recommended that Pakistan quit the event if the ICC were to fully change it.

The former batter said, “If India declines to play in Pakistan under a hybrid model, like the 1996 World Cup scenario, PCB should demand points.” “Pakistan ought to receive two points if India chooses not to participate.”

In the event of a hybrid approach, Pakistan, as the host, ought to conduct all of its matches domestically. Additionally, Pakistan ought to decline to take part if the host location changes.

Prime Minister of Pakistan, Shehbaz Sharif, conveyed his sincere congratulations to the national men’s cricket team for their historic ODI series triumph against Australia.

Pakistan, led by newly-appointed captain Mohammad Rizwan, triumphed against Australia in the third ODI in Perth, securing victory by eight wickets and clinching their first series in Australia since 2002.

The visitors lost the initial match of the three-match series by two wickets; however, they executed a remarkable comeback to secure the series 2-1.

Subsequent to the victory, Shehbaz Sharif utilized his official X (previously Twitter) account to commend the national cricket team for their commanding performance.

“Significant Day for Pakistani Cricket.” Congratulations to the Pakistan cricket team on their momentous ODI series triumph over Australia. The Prime Minister declared, “After 22 years, Pakistan has convincingly defeated Australia on their home turf.”

He commended the leadership of Mohsin Naqvi, the head of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

This triumph resulted from the solidarity and collaboration of their exceptional players, alongside the efforts of the coaching staff and the PCB under the competent leadership of Chairman Mohsin Naqvi. He expressed, “May this mark the commencement of a remarkable and illustrious era for Pakistani Cricket.”