Jay Shah’s recent appointment as ICC chairman has raised concerns in the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) over the future of the ICC Champions Trophy to be held in Pakistan next year. The main issue is about whether India will agree to host the event in Pakistan or not. The approval of the Government of India is necessary and India’s visit seems unlikely in view of the present political situation.
The fate of the Champions Trophy under Jay Shah could be similar to that of the 2022 Asia Cup, in which India played in a hybrid model, where they travelled Sri Lanka instead of touring Pakistan.
The incoming ICC Chair has outlined what he wants to achieve during his tenure.
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— ICC (@ICC) August 28, 2024
Shah, who was then the president of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), played a key role in the decision, heightening PCB about the situation.
However, as ICC president, Shah is responsible for promoting and supporting cricket in Pakistan. This gives a glimmer of hope for the PCB. Former Pakistan cricketer Younis Khan has urged Jay Shah to showcase his athletic ability and get India to participate in the Champions Trophy to win the tournament.
‘The cricket should uplift with the appointment of Jay Shah as the ICC chief,’ Younis said, as quoted by Cricket Pakistan.
‘Jay Shah needs to show the sportsman spirit, as with the good initiatives of the ICC chief, India can come to Pakistan to play cricket. In the same way, Pakistan can visit India,’ he added.
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Rashid Latif’s Take On Jay Shah
Another former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif expressed that Jay Shah’s appointment as the International Cricket Council (ICC) chairman will help the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). He also said that Jay Shah will put effort into sending India’s team to Pakistan for the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025.
‘PCB has not opposed Shah’s appointment for a reason. I think there’s an understanding. If India’s team comes, it will be because of Jay Shah’s efforts, along with support from their government.’
Latif said that BCCI’s approval to send team India to Pakistan is halfway granted.
India hasn’t travelled to Pakistan for any series since 2008 due to political tensions between two nations.
