PCB to send ‘please clarify’ email to ICC

ISLAMABAD/KARACHI: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is set to send a formal communication to the International Cricket Council (ICC) this week, requesting clarity on the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) decision to not send its team to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy scheduled next year.

The PCB confirmed on Sunday that it had received an email from the ICC, though the message did not specify reasons for India’s decision.

“Yes, we will be reaching out to the ICC within the next 48 hours for clarification on the rationale behind the BCCI’s decisions,” a source close to the matter told The News. India’s stance, seen as lacking sporting or logical grounds, has raised eyebrows, especially in Islamabad, which is now considering a potential ban on Pakistan’s tours to India and matches against its traditional rivals in ICC events, also treated as marquee matches that draw substantial revenues.

While the Indian media continues to speculates that the BCCI has proposed a hybrid model, the PCB has maintained that the ICC email only stated that India would not send its team to Pakistan. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi recently emphasized that a hybrid model was not being considered, reiterating that the entire event would take place in Pakistan.

Historically, ICC events have not adopted hybrid models. In the 1996 and 2003 World Cups, Australia, the West Indies and England forfeited matches by refusing to travel to Colombo, Zimbabwe, and Kenya, respectively. Nonetheless, the tournaments proceeded as planned, with Sri Lanka and Australia ultimately winning the finals in Lahore (1996) and Johannesburg (2003).

Similarly, in 2009, Zimbabwe withdrew from the T20 World Cup after the UK government refused to issue visas, allowing the tournament to proceed smoothly. In turn, Zimbabwe retained Full Member status and, also received full participation fee and annual funding from the ICC.

Late last year, ICC Chief Executive Geoff Allardice confirmed that the Champions Trophy would not be moved from Pakistan. Following this, senior ICC officials visited Pakistan to assess event preparations. At July’s annual conference, the ICC approved a $65 million budget for the event. As recently as October 21, the ICC submitted a comprehensive report on the preparations, which was unanimously accepted.

Jay Shah, BCCI Secretary and ICC Chairman-elect, attended the ICC Board meeting, with Arun Singh Dhumalpresent on the ICC Chief Executives’ Committee. Alongside positive updates on event readiness, the ICC documents shared with the attendees also highlighted plans for a successful event delivery.

“We’ve been informed by the PCB that neither the ICC nor the BCCI raised any concerns regarding the ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan at last month’s ICC meetings,” a senior government official said. “This has caused discontent in Islamabad, as the feeling is that India’s approach is detrimental to the spirit of sports.”

“To foster a positive and inclusive environment, all stakeholders must collaborate despite political differences. It’s now clear that at least one participant is not committed to this unified approach. As custodians of Pakistan’s image, we must uphold our integrity and status in sports,” the official added.

Pakistan has made four tours to India for major tournaments, including the 2011 and 2023 men’s World Cups, the 2016 T20 World Cup and the 2013 women’s World Cup. Additionally, the PCB helped the BCCI avoid litigation by agreeing to a tour in 2012, featuring three ODIs and three T20Is. During the 2024-2031 ICC events cycle, India is scheduled to host four events, including the 2025 Asia Cup.

The ICC awarded the 2025 Champions Trophy to Pakistan in 2021, with then-BCCI representative Sourav Ganguly on the ICC Board. Since then, the ICC has kept all member nations updated on its events, including the tournament scheduled for February 19 to March 9 in Pakistan.

“Pakistan has recently hosted high-profile teams like Australia, Bangladesh, England, South Africa, and Sri Lanka, along with four Asia Cup matches in 2023. Foreign players continue to participate in the Pakistan Super League. There have been no security concerns; rather, Pakistan has been praised for its hospitality, facilities and event management.

“If security were an issue, an independent assessment should have been conducted. Pakistan sent its players to India for the World Cup last year without dispatching an advance team. Why can’t India reciprocate in the same spirit, for the good of the game and cricket fans globally?” the official noted.

“We are mindful of the financial implications should we decide to discontinue playing against India, but the PCB has continued to progress without hosting India for a bilateral series since 2006.

“India’s unilateral decision, devoid of logic or sportsmanship, could adversely affect other financially constrained nations. It would be unfortunate if cricket heads in this direction, but other countries should understand their responsibilities toward global cricket.”

In 2008, the BCCI barred Pakistani players from the Indian Premier League (IPL). Despite this, Pakistan won the T20 World Cup in 2009, reached the top of the Test rankings in 2016 and won the Champions Trophy in 2017.

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s strong response to India’s decision not to send its cricket team to the ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan in 2025 will have serious financial and structural impacts on global cricket.

Following India’s decision to not to send the team to Pakistan for ICC Champions Trophy, the government of Pakistan has taken a strong position by deciding not to allow Pakistan team to play any game against India – the decision also means, Pakistan will not tour India for any of ICC events set in ongoing cycle.

Pakistan remained flexible in recent years and has participated in ICC events in India but after India chose not to participate in the 2023 Asia Cup in Pakistan - forcing the tournament into a hybrid format – and now its decision to not to allow its team to travel to Pakistan for the ICC Champions’ Trophy, the Pakistan’s government is now considering a policy to restrict Pakistani teams from competing against India unless sports and politics are separated.

A full boycott of matches against India, advised by the Pakistani government, could impact several ICC tournaments scheduled in India between 2024 and 2031. Pakistan’s boycott could reduce viewership and affect ICC’s projected revenue from broadcasters and sponsors. The ICC, which aims to earn $3.2 billion from broadcast rights for 2024-2027 and expects an additional $1 billion in other revenue, relies heavily on high-profile events featuring Pakistan and India, which consistently draw record viewership.

“No India vs. Pakistan games in ICC events would disrupt all broadcast and sponsorship deals,” said a source, adding that these matches are vital for global cricket’s appeal. In recent years, the ICC has ensured that India plays Pakistan at least once in each global tournament, generating significant revenue.

Without Pakistan’s participation, the ICC could face legal issues with broadcasters and sponsors who expect these high-stakes matches. This situation could lead to revenue declines, legal disputes, and reduced financial distributions to ICC member nations. Such a drop could harm cricket boards that depend on ICC funding to sustain their programs. Even the BCCI, which receives the largest share of ICC revenue, could feel the financial impact.

“Pakistan’s role is crucial not just for the game but for cricket’s financial ecosystem,” said a source. “Pakistan attracts major sponsors and viewers, which translates into revenue for the ICC and all cricketing nations.”

Unlike other boards that rely financially on India, Pakistan has sustained its cricket program without bilateral series against India or participation in the Indian Premier League since 2009. Pakistan has achieved major titles, such as the 2009 T20 World Cup and the 2017 Champions Trophy.

Pakistan’s stability contrasts with other boards, which heavily depend on India financially. This influence was evident in the ICC’s recent scheduling for the 2024 T20 World Cup, where India’s matches were strategically placed aiming to ensure higher broadcast revenue.

Sources have added that the ICC is awaiting Pakistan’s response, noting that a government directive against playing India would create significant challenges for the ICC. Islamabad has instructed the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to maintain a firm position. According to a source in Islamabad, the PCB is also advised to demand India’s concerns in writing.

“They (the PCB) have been instructed to stay firm on holding all Champions Trophy matches in Pakistan, even if it means an event without India,” said the source. A source further highlighted, “Everyone remembers the ICC’s stance when New Zealand and England refused to play in Kenya and Zimbabwe during the 2003 World Cup, or when West Indies and Australia skipped their games in Sri Lanka in 1996. The ICC didn’t relocate those games, so why should it move any game from Pakistan at India’s demand?”

A source in ICC told this reporter that if Pakistan Cricket Board takes the position as reported in media and say that we are advised by the government to not to play any match against India, then it will bring serious headaches to the ICC.