Ex-PCB Chairman Predicts Slim Chances for India-Pakistan Clash in Champions Trophy

Former PCB chairman Khalid Mahmood believes India is unlikely to travel to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy early next year. He warns this could negatively impact revenues for both PCB and ICC, with other nations potentially following India's lead. Mahmood advises against merging sports and politics.

Former Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Khalid Mahmood has expressed skepticism about India's likelihood of traveling to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy early next year.

''There are very slim chances they will agree to play in Pakistan,'' Mahmood, a retired senior bureaucrat, noted. He cautioned that if India abstains from visiting Pakistan, it would be a financially unprofitable scenario for both PCB and the ICC.

''India is the richest cricket board and wields considerable influence. Should they decide not to send their team to Pakistan, I foresee countries like Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh potentially following suit,'' said Mahmood.

This, he added, would essentially reduce the Champions Trophy to a financially strained venture where revenues drop, costs increase, and profits diminish. Having managed Pakistan's junior and senior teams on tours to India in 1989 and 1999, Mahmood emphasized that PCB should adhere to their policy of separating sports from politics.

''At this level, you can merely lobby and try to persuade other boards to support your stance. India has significant clout within the ICC, and a tit-for-tat strategy would be unproductive for Pakistan,'' he said. ''When the BCCI states it can't send its team and will play its matches outside Pakistan, it compromises the event's purpose for Pakistan as the host,'' Mahmood added. The Champions Trophy is scheduled for February 19 to March 9 next year.

(With inputs from agencies.)