The ICC has confirmed nothing on their end, as the UAE cricket governing body has shown intention to agree to a venue shift to either Dubai or Abu Dhabi for the Champions Trophy final if the BCCI approach them for the same.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India clearly mentioned that India’s chances to play in Pakistan country would depend solely on permission from the Indian central government. As a result, the ICC shared the idea of shifting India’s matches to Lahore, which is the closest stadium to the border region, though this embarks nothing in favour of India.
India has never featured in Pakistan since the 2008 Mumbai blasts and even played the last bilateral series against the same opponent in 2013. Hence, compiling all, this has been a major question of whether the Rohit Sharma-led Indian side will participate in the upcoming Champions Trophy.
The reports have suggested that if the Men in Blue qualify for the Champions Trophy finals, the ICC wants to keep all options open and is keeping Dubai as a possible venue for the finals. However, if the exact venue is not kept fixed, then both Dubai and Lahore might be kept ready which is a rare account in the history of cricket tournaments.
However, the PCB has shared optimism over India’s arrival in Pakistan for the competition, though the BCCI officials have not commented on the matter and hence scenarios may change in the span of the next few months prior to the Champions Trophy.
The ICC is also looking for another hybrid model, where they might be considering South Africa alongside Dubai and Pakistan. PCB obviously want to retain the hosting rights, while the big development would be cleared only if BCCI take their decision by next November.
