India’s ‘spoilsport’ policy likely to continue

ISLAMABAD: The Indian government is once again playing “spoilsport” as the latest reports from across the border indicate an unchanging stance on not allowing the Indian cricket team to travel to Pakistan for the February 2025 ICC Champions Trophy.

While no official statements have been issued by the Indian government or the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the Indian media outlets, including the Times of India and several cricket websites, have cited anonymous sources confirming that the BCCI has informed the ICC of this decision. Reportedly, the Indian government has denied permission for the team to participate in the prestigious event scheduled to commence in Pakistan on February 19, 2025.

Though the ICC and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) are yet to receive a formal, written notification from the BCCI, it’s widely believed that the Indian government is adhering to a policy established in 2014, barring their national cricket team from playing in Pakistan. This policy is peculiar as Indian teams in other sports, like tennis, baseball, squash and even blind cricket, regularly cross the border to compete in Pakistan. Cricket, however, remains the only exception.

The buzz about India’s potential withdrawal from the Champions Trophy comes just days before the official tournament schedule, expected to be released on Monday. It’s uncertain whether the ICC will proceed with the schedule announcement or wait for an official letter from the BCCI before confirming the dates and venues publicly.

Last year, India also refused to send its team to Pakistan for the Asia Cup, prompting the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) to adopt a controversial “hybrid model” for the tournament. However, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi outright rejected such a compromise for the Champions Trophy during his recent media address in Lahore.

When The News reached out to senior PCB officials for comments, they declined to discuss the matter publicly. Insiders suggest that the PCB is holding off on making any statements until receiving an official response from either the ICC or BCCI. However, the board is expected to take a firmer stance this time and may even reject any proposal for a hybrid model.

This situation has far-reaching implications, and diplomatic efforts could potentially open the door for the Indian team’s participation. For now, however, the PCB remains poised to push back firmly against India’s reluctance.