‘PCB has gained more than the BCCI’: Javed Miandad on India vs Pakan taking place in neutral venues at upcoming ICC events | Cricket News
With the impasse over the Champions Trophy over, former Pakan player Javed Miandad lauded the Pakan Cricket Board for its firm stance on not agreeing to play in India unless the Men In Blue come play in Pakan.
This resulted in India set to play all its matches of the Champions Trophy next year at a neutral venue while Pakan will also play all its games in ICC events hosted India at a neutral venue until the ongoing cycle ends in 2027.
In addition to the aforementioned Champions Trophy hosted Pakan, the arrangement will apply to next year’s women’s Cricket World Cup in India and the T20 World Cup in 2026 in India and Sri Lanka.
“I think the PCB took the sensible approach and instead of doing something rash and facing isolation in the ICC and among other cricket nations, it opted for a solution where I think the PCB has gained more than the BCCI,” said Miandad.
“Still Pakan is hosting a big event after a very long time and we have sent a clear message that if you don’t come and play in our country, we will also not play in India,” Miandad said.
India had insed on not going to Pakan for the tournament, citing security concerns. Pakan had asked for the reasons in writing, arguing that every other major cricketing team has toured the country over the last few years and there have been no security concerns.
Last month, Pakan had quoted a letter circulated the ICC board among its members in October, which mentioned that no country had objected to the Champions Trophy itinerary. However, within a fortnight of that letter, the BCCI informed the ICC about its reservations on travelling to Pakan.
India has not played in Pakan since the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. While Pakan came to India for the 50-over World Cup last year, India played the Asia Cup matches in Sri Lanka. Amid strained ties, the two countries haven’t held a bilateral series since 2013, only playing at multi-team events.
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