It would not be in cricket’s interests for India not playing in Champions Trophy, says ECB CEO

Fans now know about the current controversy surrounding India’s participation in the Champions Trophy, which will be staged in Pakistan next year. The International Cricket Council’s decision to have Pakistan host the ninth edition of the premier tournament has actually generated a lot of discussion on this subject.

Richard Gould, the CEO of the England & Wales Cricket Board, discussed Jay Shah‘s previous and current positions and stated that security-related considerations will be the primary consideration before a decision is made.

“Indian participation in the Champions Trophy would not be advantageous for cricket.

The fact that Jay Shah, the current chair of the ICC and a former secretary of the BCCI, would play a significant part in that makes it intriguing. Cricketing geopolitics is a subset of geopolitics. I believe they’ll manage. They must figure out a way. When those two nations play each other, security issues are always present in this region of the world. The main decisions will most likely be influenced by it. However, I am aware that the two nations’ ties are currently as cordial as they can be because we seen it during the [men’s T20] World Cup in New York,” Gould said, as cited.

In addition, Gould stated that there would be backup plans in place in the event that India decided not to visit Pakistan. But he also emphasised how important the event is for Pakistan, which will host for the first time after co-hosting the World Cup in 1996.

The broadcast rights aren’t there if the Champions Trophy is played without India or Pakistan, so we must safeguard them. Pakistan is the host country. We’re all eager to find out if India will travel after seeing the developments that have been taking place. That’s the secret. We believe that some relationships and conversations are where they should be. I am aware that India is anticipated to visit Pakistan. If it doesn’t happen, there are other options and backup plans available. If those situations materialise, there are numerous choices accessible. When was the last ICC trophy that Pakistan hosted? “Hopefully, we can have the most competitive environment in Pakistan during this significant time for the nation,” Gould said.

They have a tendency to go to the wire: The Thompson

But according to ECB Chairperson Richard Thompson, a decision will be made in the lead-up to the Champions Trophy.

“That’s between India and Pakistan, and I believe they’ll figure out a way to let India play in the Champions Trophy.” “I think they’ll find a way in those [last] six months,” Thompson continued, “because history has shown us that these things tend to go to the wire.”

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During England’s second Test of the current series, Gould and Thompson have been speaking with Pakistan Cricket Board officials in Multan while they are in Pakistan for the ICC’s upcoming conference in Dubai.