Accepting Pakistan’s demand for written response, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has sought from India reasons in writing about their refusal to play Champions Trophy in Pakistan early next year, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Friday, quoting its sources.
According to the ICC constitution, India will have to give solid reasons for their not touring Pakistan. If India failed to give a satisfactory reply then the ICC could ask Indian board to send its team to Pakistan.
The ICC will unveil its strategy after reviewing India’s response in writing.
The ICC is estimated to suffer a loss of $500 million if the Indian team opted not to visit Pakistan to play Champions Trophy 2025. The ICC earns from the trophy's broadcast rights, advertisements and sponsorships.
The sources said the Indian Cricket Board had verbally informed the ICC about not going to Pakistan while the ICC has asked the Indian Board to give reasons in writing.
According to the rules, the Indian board has to give concrete reasons for not going to Pakistan, the sources further said.
The ICC will have to examine the reasons and take a final decision about India, the sources added. Sources said if the reasons for not going to Pakistan are not justified, the Indian team will be asked to go ahead with the tour.
If India does not agree, the 9th team can be included in the Champions Trophy, the sources revealed.
According to the sources, the loss of the Indian Board due to the absence of Pakistan-India matches would be around $100 million.
Reporter: Wasim Ahmad