There is considerable speculation regarding Team India’s participation in the ICC Champions Trophy, scheduled to be held in Pakistan early next year.

Neither the BCCI nor the Pakistan Cricket Board has made an official statement, but there are rumors that India might not travel to Pakistan for the event. Reports suggest that the BCCI has requested the ICC to either change the tournament’s venue or schedule India’s matches in Dubai or Sri Lanka.

A report from The Express Tribune on July 14 claimed that the ICC is exploring alternative arrangements if the BCCI decides not to send the team to Pakistan.

Discussions about India’s concerns may take place during the ICC annual conference in Colombo from July 19 to 22.

The report also mentioned that a “contingency budget” is being considered to host the Champions Trophy games outside of Pakistan, with Dubai as a potential venue.

One proposal suggests splitting the matches between Karachi and Dubai to minimize travel issues, although Lahore and Rawalpindi are also being considered.

The 2023 Asia Cup, initially set to be held entirely in Pakistan, was played in a hybrid model, with India’s matches in Sri Lanka due to the Indian government’s travel restrictions to Pakistan.

If a hybrid model is adopted for the Champions Trophy, some matches, including a semi-final and the final, might be moved from Pakistan.

According to the draft schedule, Pakistan will host the Champions Trophy from February 19 to March 9. The participating teams include Pakistan, India, Australia, England, South Africa, Bangladesh, New Zealand, and Afghanistan.

Reports suggest that India is placed in Group A with Pakistan, Bangladesh, and New Zealand, while Group B includes Australia, South Africa, England, and Afghanistan.

This tournament will be a significant cricket event in Pakistan, which last co-hosted the World Cup with India and Sri Lanka in 1996.