India get active in moving Champions trophy from Pakistan

As expected, India have started lobbing to move the upcoming International Cricket Council (ICC) Champions Trophy from Pakistan.

The 50-over tournament is scheduled to be played in Pakistan next year.

With Pakistan open to play bilateral series against their arch-rivals, however, a report from Indian outlet is reporting a whole different story.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is not only against the idea of a bilateral series, but also considering India’s participation in the Champions Trophy if it is hosted by Pakistan, Indo-Asian News Service (IANS) citing its sources reported.

As per IANS, India’s participation in the tournament is subjected to government’s approval, which is uncertain.

Meanwhile, the board is suggesting a potential change in venue or the adoption of a hybrid model for the tournament.

“Forget bilateral series…Team India may not even travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy. There might be a change of venue and hybrid model is also possible,” BCCI sources told IANS.

“The Indian board would need permission from the government for travel, currently our relations with Pakistan are not that good either,” source further added.

Despite the Champions Trophy being an ICC event, Rohit Sharma’s side participation dependent on governmental directives.

“Champions Trophy is an ICC event, so it would be a tough call for India but nothing without the government’s order/green signal. Bilateral series, I don’t see in the near future, that’s next to impossible,” source added.

It is worth mentioning here that, Pakistan and India last played bilateral series in 2012-13 season.

Though, Pakistan travelled to India on numerous occasion after that for ICC tournaments, but India haven’t.

The Pakistan Cricket Board was forced to adapt hybrid model for the Asia Cup after India’s refusal to travel for the tournament last year.