India May Camp in Delhi, Fly to Lahore for Champions Trophy: PCB’s Unique Proposal

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reached out to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) with a proposal aimed at facilitating India’s participation in the Champions Trophy next year, offering an alternative arrangement due to security concerns. The PCB suggested that the Indian team could base itself in New Delhi or Chandigarh/Mohali and travel to Lahore via chartered flights for their matches in Pakistan.

While the proposal has only been discussed verbally, without any formal written communication, a PCB source confirmed on Friday that officials from both boards have been exploring this option to ensure India’s participation in Pakistan.

The Champions Trophy, scheduled from February 19 to March 9, will take place across Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Karachi. India’s group-stage matches are slated for February 20 (against Bangladesh), February 23 (against Pakistan), and March 2 (against New Zealand), all planned for Lahore due to its proximity to the Indian border.

The PCB remains firm that the final match must be held in Lahore, regardless of India’s participation. Discussions are also underway regarding a hybrid model for the tournament, with the International Cricket Council (ICC) considering alternative venues such as Dubai or Sri Lanka for some matches, given India’s hesitance to tour Pakistan, which they haven’t done since 2008.