New Delhi. Top officials, including England and Wales Cricket Board Chairman Richard Thompson, have suggested that holding the Champions Trophy without India is not an option. ECB says that if Rohit Sharma's team does not travel to the host country Pakistan then there are many other options available. India have not played cricket in Pakistan since 2008 due to strained relations between the two countries and their visits are entirely dependent on government approval. BCCI is unlikely to get permission from the government to send the team to Lahore. Due to which Champions Trophy seems to be the most likely option in the 'hybrid model'.
Like last year's Asia Cup, India can play its matches in a third country. Whereas other matches can be organized in Pakistan. The tournament will be organized in February-March. Thompson is in Pakistan with ECB Chief Executive Officer Richard Gould. He told 'ESPNcricinfo', 'India not playing in the Champions Trophy will not be in the interest of cricket.' The decision on India's trip to the Champions Trophy can be taken before current BCCI secretary Jay Shah takes charge of the ICC in December. Shah was elected as ICC president in August.
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'They will find a way'
“It's interesting,” Thompson said. Former BCCI secretary and now ICC president Jay Shah will have a big role in this. There will be geographical politics and then cricket geopolitics. I think they will find a way. They will have to find a way. If you play the Champions Trophy without India or Pakistan, there will be no broadcast rights and we need to secure them. They (Pakistan) are the host country. We have seen the developments and we are all waiting to understand whether India is going to visit Pakistan for this. This is important. We think there are some discussions. I know that Pakistan expects India to visit. If this does not happen, there are several different options available.
India-Pak play each other in World Cup and Asia Cup
India and Pakistan play each other in many team tournaments such as the World Cup and Asia Cup. Nothing is clear yet whether the Indian team will go to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy or not. BCCI has put the ball in the court of the Government of India. The Indian Board says that whatever order the government gives will be followed.
Tags: Champions Trophy, England Cricket, India Vs Pakistan, Team india
FIRST PUBLISHED : October 16, 2024, 10:27 pm IST
