Lahore. In a bid to ensure best security arrangements for India, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has suggested that the neighbouring country play all its matches during next year’s ICC (International Cricket Council) Champions Trophy in Lahore.
A reliable source in the PCB said that this suggestion has been made in the ‘draft programme’ of the tournament sent to the ICC.
The source said, “Yes, it has been suggested to hold all the matches of the Indian team in Lahore to reduce their travel and provide the best security arrangements.” India had refused to play in Pakistan for the Asia Cup last year due to security concerns, after which all its matches were held in Sri Lanka. Pakistan is to host this 50-over ICC tournament from February 19 to March 9 next year.
The ICC Executive Board is yet to approve the draft schedule but the PCB has named Karachi and Rawalpindi among other venues for the Champions Trophy matches. This will be the first time Pakistan will host a major ICC tournament since 1996, although it did host the entire Asia Cup in 2008 and some matches of the same tournament last year. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is yet to officially confirm whether it will send the national team to Pakistan for an ICC tournament.