PCB considering minus-India formula for Champions Trophy

LAHORE: After India refused to come to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy 2026, Pakistan also took a hardline stance. Yesterday, Pakistan announced that if India continues the stance, Pakistan will not play with India on any level, including T20 World Cup 2026.

Now the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has started considering the minus India formula.

The PCB has decided to present the examples of the World Cup of 1996 and 2003 to the International Cricket Council (ICC).

In 1996, Australia and West Indies refused to play in Sri Lanka, the ICC gave points to the opponents in the matches of the refusing teams. In 2003, New Zealand, Kenya and England refused to play in Zimbabwe.

Sources said that PCB will present the argument to the ICC that the venues were not changed due to non-appearance of teams in the past. Therefore, Pakistan may also be allowed to continue the Champions Trophy plan as planned, without India.

So far, India has not written to ICC about the Champions Trophy. Sources said that the PCB will insist that India submits all its positions in writing.

Also read: Pakistan responds in-kind to India’s refusal to play ICC Champions Trophy