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Xtra Time Web Desk: A source within the Pakistan Cricket Board disclosed plans to explore responses should the Board of Control for Cricket in India officially decline sending its team to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy. This comes in light of recent reports suggesting India's reluctance to travel to Pakistan for the tournament next year. “PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has said it already that Pakistan is open to play a bilateral series with India at a neutral venue only if India agrees to participate in the ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan next year,” the PCB source told IANS.

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Emphasizing Pakistan's willingness to engage in cricket diplomacy, the PCB highlighted its prior cooperation by sending its team to India for the World Cup. This gesture underscores Islamabad's commitment to overcoming challenges and fostering Indo-Pak cricket relations. Pakistan anticipates hosting its first international cricket event since the 1996 World Cup, with the Champion's Trophy representing a significant milestone. However, India's potential refusal poses a formidable decision for the ICC event.

In response, discussions may ensue during the lead-up to the ICC Champions Trophy to explore a hybrid model, possibly relocating India-Pakistan matches to neutral venues such as Abu Dhabi and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Sources within the BCCI hinted at Team India's potential absence from Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy next year, suggesting either a venue change or adoption of a hybrid model for the tournament.

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Furthermore, prospects for bilateral series between India and Pakistan appear dim, with the BCCI deeming such engagements "unlikely" in the foreseeable future. The last bilateral limited-overs series occurred in 2012-13 when Pakistan visited India. India's refusal to participate in the Asia Cup in Pakistan last year led to the adoption of a hybrid model by the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), with the majority of matches held in Sri Lanka.