India is unlikely to travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy next year.
Team India may not undertake the tour of Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy scheduled for next year, according to BCCI sources who cited security concerns. With bilateral relations between the neighbors at a low ebb, the Indian board requires government clearance for any Pakistan visit.
While the PCB Chairman recently suggested considering bilateral ties revival if India travels for the tournament, BCCI functionaries believe that remains unlikely.
Given the fraught geopolitical situation, they note that India’s participation in the Champions Trophy hangs in the balance. Instead, a shift in venue or hybrid format could be explored.
The sources also ruled out a bilateral series in the short term, calling it next to impossible despite the PCB offer.
The arch-rivals last played a bilateral series in 2012-13, when Pakistan visited India. The ICC now has the onus of devising an alternate plan acceptable to all stakeholders.
Recalling India opting out of the Asia Cup in Pakistan last year over safety fears, all signs point to more complications in reviving cricket ties soon.
