The International Cricket Council (ICC) could find itself in a tricky situation after Pakistan threatened to stall all cricketing relations with India following the BCCI’s decision to not travel to the neighbouring country for the Champions Trophy early next year.

“The PCB has received an email from the ICC, stating that the BCCI has informed them that their team will not travel to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

The PCB has forwarded that email to the government of Pakistan for their advice and guidance,” a PCB spokesperson said on Sunday.

The BCCI has told the ICC that it has been advised by the Indian government not to send the team to Pakistan because of security concerns. It has requested that their matches be slotted in Dubai under the hybrid model which was used during the Asia Cup 2023.

The eight-team Champions Trophy is scheduled to be played in Lahore, Rawalpindi and Karachi between February 19 and March 9. India’s matches had been slotted in Lahore. Sources told The Telegraph that the PCB will take a strong stand and will refrain from playing against India in all ICC tournaments unless they tour Pakistan. The Pakistan team had participated in the ODI World Cup in India last year under the assumption that the BCCI would reciprocate their visit by touring Pakistan for the Champions Trophy.

The government is believed to have told the PCB to reject any hybrid model. Pakistan will also not tour India for the T20 World Cup in 2026.

“If India-Pakistan matches do not take place, it will significantly affect ICC’s revenue. So both teams’ participation is crucial for the governing body,” the source maintained.

Things could take an interesting turn once BCCI secretary Jay Shah takes over as ICC chairman next month.