Champions Trophy venue uncertainty: India-Pakistan clash in jeopardy

NEW DELHI: Speculation is rife in the Indian media regarding the possibility of the Indian cricket team not travelling to Pakistan for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy. According to various reports, the tournament might be conducted in a hybrid mode, with Indian matches potentially being hosted in the UAE or Sri Lanka.

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While the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the International Cricket Council (ICC) have yet to confirm these reports, the discussions have gained significant traction. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has already submitted a draft schedule for the Champions Trophy to the ICC, indicating their readiness to host the event as planned.

The PCB’s proposed schedule includes a highly anticipated match between Pakistan and India, set to take place on March 1 in Lahore. However, if the hybrid model is adopted, this fixture could be relocated to a neutral venue such as the UAE or Sri Lanka to accommodate the Indian team’s concerns.

There are also reports that Pakistan may choose to withdraw from the tournament if India insists on a neutral venue. However, these remain unconfirmed as well.

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The rivalry between India and Pakistan is one of the most intense in the sport, and any alteration to the venue of the tournament this close to the event is bound to have widespread implications.