The ongoing dispute between the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) over next year’s ICC Champions Trophy could potentially threaten cricket’s return to the Olympics in Los Angeles in 2028, as well as India’s bid for the 2036 Games.
The ninth edition of the Champions Trophy is scheduled to be held in Pakistan in February and March next year. However, the BCCI has refused to send the Indian team to Pakistan due to security concerns, placing the tournament in uncertainty. The PCB has rejected the BCCI’s request to hold India’s matches outside Pakistan in a ‘Hybrid Model’ and has even threatened to boycott the Champions Trophy, as well as any future fixtures against India, if the tournament is relocated.
According to Geo News, Pakistan’s refusal to play against India in ICC and ACC events could have serious consequences for cricket’s Olympic comeback in 2028. Cricket is set to return to the Olympics for the first time since the Paris 1900 Games, and a high-profile match between India and Pakistan will be crucial in ensuring the sport’s success and its continued place in the Olympic program for the 2032 Games in Brisbane. Pakistan’s refusal to play India in the 2028 Olympics could seriously jeopardize cricket’s future in the Olympic movement.
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A government source reportedly stated, “We will not participate in any event against India unless they agree to play in Pakistan.” While the PCB has firmly insisted on hosting the entire Champions Trophy in Pakistan, the BCCI has cited the lack of security clearance from the Indian government as the reason for not sending the team. The PCB has demanded a written explanation for the BCCI’s refusal.
In addition to the Champions Trophy dispute, Pakistan could also challenge India’s bid to host the 2036 Summer Olympics, which is proposed to take place in New Delhi or Ahmedabad. The Pakistani government may lodge a formal complaint with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) regarding alleged interference by the Indian government in sporting events.
India is competing with other countries like Turkey, Indonesia, Chile, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar to host the 36th Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games.
