The PCB has written to the ICC asking them to provide a written confirmation from the BCCI that they are unable to play the Champions Trophy in Pakistan, as well as give a reason for it.

The PCB was told by the ICC last Friday that the BCCI has not been given permission by the Indian government for the Indian team to travel to Pakistan for the tournament scheduled to be played across three venues in Pakistan from 9 .February. But the PCB wants it in writing from the BCCI that they cannot participate, as well as the reasons for it.

This ICC communication came three days before what would have been the official launch event for the tournament in Lahore, starting a 100-day countdown. Instead, the event has been postponed, with uncertainty now swirling around the eight-team tournament.

The PCB’s stance currently remains unchanged: the entire tournament will be played in Pakistan with a senior PCB official reiterating to Pakinomist that there is “no chance” of a hybrid model being considered. One such model, used once for the 2023 Asia Cup, would allow India to play their game outside Pakistan. There has been speculation that the UAE is being used as another venue in this case, but the PCB has unequivocally ruled it out. The tournament is scheduled to be played in Lahore, Karachi and Rawalpindi between February 19 and March 9.

One of the reasons why the PCB is standing firm at the moment is that they feel aggrieved by the events of last year. After they were forced to use a hybrid model to host the Asia Cup, Pakistan agreed to travel to India for the World Cup. That decision was taken in consultation with the government, and permission was ultimately granted – despite considerable opposition – in the hope that it would lead to India retaliating by visiting the Champions Trophy.

The same government remains in place in Pakistan, and Mohsin Naqvi, a senior figure in it as the country’s interior minister, is now the PCB chairman.

The PCB has also pointed out that the tournament was awarded to Pakistan three years ago and no objection was raised at that time, or has been raised since. The PCB is believed to have delivered a progress report at the ICC board meetings in October, including the intention to go ahead with the 100-day launch event on November 11, without any concerns.

The ICC has been contacted for comment.