While Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has started preparing for the Champions Trophy it’s slated to host next year, there’s no clarity over the participation of the Indian cricket team. India haven’t traveled to Pakistan since 2008 owing to the heightened diplomatic tensions between the two neighbours. The bilateral cricket ties between the two nations have been non-existent for over a decade now and the they only play each other either in continental or ICC tournaments.
Even last year’s Asia Cup, originally to be hosted by Pakistan, was held in hybrid model after BCCI cited refusal of permission from the Indian government to send their team across the border for the tournament. Former Pakistan spinner Danish Kaneria has advised the BCCI against sending their team given the current security situation in the country.
“Look at the situation in Pakistan I have to say that the Indian team should not go to Pakistan, and Pakistan should think about it,” Kaneria said in a chat with Sports Tak. “The ICC will make their decision and most likely Champions Trophy will be played in a hybrid model in Dubai. This (back and forth) will go on for some time, it will be hyped up in the media. It’s a reality and it will definitely be a hybrid model. And BCCI will do whatever they been advised to.”
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Kaneria, who played 61 Tests and 18 ODIs between 2000 and 2010, reckons that safety of players is paramount and other participating countries (in Champions Trophy) will likely follow the decision that BCCI takes with regards to traveling to Pakistan for the tournament.
“The safety of the players is the first priority. Respect is the second priority. I think BCCI is doing a great job. Whatever their decision is, other countries will also have to accept that. I think it will be a hybrid model” said Kaneria.
Kaneria though feels that Pakistan are equipped to host Champions Trophy but adds infrastructure needs upgradation. He claims that the reason why Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is so enthused about hosting the tournament is mainly because of the star power of Indian cricket team.
“They’re (PCB) equipped but they must upgrade the infrastructure first,” Kaneria said. “Security is the biggest concern, a big question mark.”
“The reason why Pakistan is adamant on hosting the competition is because of the TV rights, sponsors, revenue and fans filling up the stadiums. They are so eager because with India their will be more sponsorships, more media coverage and more. That’s all right but the grey area is the security concern. Pakistan can claim that they also traveled to India (for 2023 ODI World Cup) but the situation there is far better,” he added.
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