- India will have to provide a solid ground to not play in Pakistan.
- The ICC will take a final decision on India after reviewing the reasons.
- India’s non-participation could deal a $500 million financial blow to the ICC.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially demanded a written explanation from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) over its decision to refuse to tour Pakistan for the 2025 Champions Trophy, sources revealed to Geographic News Friday.
The sources added that this development comes after the BCCI verbally informed the ICC of its decision not to travel to Pakistan to attend the mega event, following which the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) requested the ICC to submit a copy of India’s written response in this regard. .
They said that as per the rules, the Indian Board has to provide a solid ground for not playing the tournament in the country.
“If a written response is received, Pakistan may seek substantial evidence supporting the grounds,” they said, adding that the ICC would then have to make a final decision on India after reviewing those grounds.
The scheduling of the Champions Trophy, one of the most important post-World Cup cricket events, has hit a snag after India refused to play the 2025 Champions Trophy in Pakistan.
According to sources, the ICC last week informed the PCB that India will not tour Pakistan for the eight-team tournament.
Pakistan rejected the option of a mixed arrangement that would allow India to play its matches in neutral venues, such as the United Arab Emirates.
Meanwhile, the PCB has written to the sport’s governing body seeking an explanation for India’s refusal to send a team to the country to participate in the mega cricket event.
Sources familiar with the developments said that if the Indian Cricket Federation fails to provide proper reasons, the Indian team will be asked to participate in the cricket event in Pakistan. They added that if India, for any reason, refuses to play in Pakistan without valid reasons, another team may take their place in the Champions Trophy.
Since the ICC earns from the cup’s broadcast rights, advertising and sponsorship, India’s non-participation could deal it a $500 million financial hit, while the Indian Board is expected to lose $100 million in revenue, according to sources.