Did Delhi refuse NOC for BCCI travel to Pakistan in writing?

ISLAMABAD/KARACHI: Some more details of the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) letter to the International Cricket Council (ICC) have surfaced, highlighting a key question raised by Pakistan regarding the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The PCB has formally asked the ICC whether the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has provided any official letter from its government denying permission for the Indian team to travel to Pakistan for the tournament next year.

Late last week, the ICC informed the PCB via email - also copying ICC Chairman-elect Jay Shah - that the BCCI cited government advice as the reason for not traveling to Pakistan. In response, the PCB sent a detailed questionnaire on Monday, requesting clarity on the process and basis for this decision.

The PCB’s questions seek more than just a statement from the BCCI. They ask for specifics on whether a government-issued document exists, when the BCCI first approached the government, how many follow-ups were made and the timing of the government’s response.

These questions take on significance given the background of last month’s ICC meetings in Dubai, attended by Indian representatives Arun Singh Dhumal and Jay Shah, where both the ICC Chief Executives’ Committee and ICC Board reviewed and approved an update on the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

The matter also echoes a previous issue when the BCCI declined to send its team to Pakistan for the ACC 50-over Asia Cup, citing government restrictions but without providing official documentation to the ACC Executive Board. This led to a hybrid model where Pakistan hosted four matches while the rest were played in Sri Lanka.

According to the Members Participation Agreement (MPA) signed by all ICC members in 2022, which enabled the ICC to secure various commercial deals, the “Force Majeure” clause applies only if a member provides official government documentation refusing permission to travel to a specific country or play certain matches. Historical precedent includes letters from Australia and the West Indies during the 1996 World Cup, and England and New Zealand for the 2003 World Cup, allowing them to forfeit points without further sanctions.

Additionally, the Indian government previously declined to grant tax exemptions to the ICC for the 2016 T20 World Cup, leading to an approximate $25 million loss for the ICC, which was then recouped from member subscriptions.

If the standoff persists, the PCB’s query could be pivotal, especially if the matter escalates to the Dispute Resolution Committee or the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) should the ICC suggest a hybrid model or relocation. The Pakistan government is considering advising the PCB to withdraw from the tournament if the ICC opts for either of these alternatives. It may even instruct the PCB to avoid competing against India until New Delhi agrees to separate sports from politics.

While Pakistan is scheduled to host only one event during the 2024-31 ICC events cycle, India is slated to host three men’s tournaments and one women’s event. Among these, India will co-host the 2026 T20 World Cup with Sri Lanka and the 2031 World Cup with Bangladesh, while hosting the 2025 Women’s 50-over World Cup and the ICC Champions Trophy 2029 independently.

Meanwhile, the ICC has remained silent on this mounting crisis, refraining from any official statements. This comes as the organization, already under scrutiny after alleged overspending of $50 million on the 2024 T20 World Cup, saw the resignation of two senior officials and uncertainty over its Chief Executive’s position.

As the Event Authority, the ICC is responsible for addressing Pakistan-India geopolitical tensions to prevent financial repercussions for its 108 members. The ICC’s apparent lack of action has raised questions, with analysts and fans speculating on the impact this could have on the future of international cricket.

ICC’s major commercial partners, including host broadcasters, are increasingly concerned as they face a time crunch for promoting the event, securing sublicenses, and generating profits.

The host broadcaster itself is embroiled in a legal dispute. In September, Disney-Star India sought $940 million in damages from Zee Entertainment after Zee exited a $1.4 billion agreement, under which Star was to sublicense ICC tournament broadcasting rights to Zee.

With the broadcaster now facing financial hurdles, the ICC’s handling of the Pakistan-India situation may provide a rare opportunity for it to protect itself from further financial strain.

Separately, unconfirmed reports from across the border suggest the ICC and BCCI are working on a solution with the event to be relocated to either the United Arab Emirates (UAE) or South Africa.

Cricket South Africa have expressed ignorance and have told journalists that they have not been approached either by the ICC or the BCCI, while the UAE has recently become a difficult travel destination for Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan nationals.

The three countries, alongside Australia, England, India, New Zealand and South Africa have qualified for the eight-team tournament.

If this plan is put into motion and the ICC Board approves this suggestion, then international cricket can brace itself for testing times as the PCB will be instructed by its government to withdraw from the event. The frustration of the Pakistan government is understandable as it had last year approved the Pakistan cricket team’s travel to India for the 2023 World Cup, hoping India will reciprocate in 2025.

Not the first time, India has refused to show gamesmanship. It is yet to pay a return visit to Pakistan for a bilateral series since 2006, whereas in the meantime, Pakistan has toured India five times – four times for ICC events and once for a bilateral ODI and T20I series in 2012.

Meanwhile, the International Cricket Council (ICC) unveiled a new visual identity for the upcoming men’s and women’s Champions Trophy events, marking the tournament’s highly anticipated return after a six-year hiatus.

The updated design, revealed in a dynamic launch video, features an innovative typographic logo and design elements inspired by cricket’s rich language and cultural significance.

The video also highlights the event’s logo for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which will be hosted by Pakistan.

Emphasizing the country’s vibrant cultural heritage, the video prominently features Pakistan’s iconic truck art, a tribute to the nation’s unique artistic traditions as it prepares to host the men’s tournament in 2025.

The men’s ICC Champions Trophy is set to return to Pakistan next year, marking the first edition since 2017. Meanwhile, the women’s Champions Trophy, played in a T20 format, will debut in 2027, with Sri Lanka as the host.