India’s Boycott of Pakistani Cricket

• BCCI refuses to send a team for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan despite security assurances and venue choice.

• BCCI prefers a hybrid model where India plays all matches outside Pakistan.

• Sharda Ugra and Sunil Yajaman discuss the issue, arguing that ‘India versus Pakistan’ isn’t about sporting logic or fairness.

• Yajaman suggests India should not worry about security, as it’s a contest within sports.

• Ugra questions whether India should seek an exemption for the 2023 World Cup, given Pakistan’s 2023 visit.

• Cricketers’ travel to Pakistan is influenced by the high stakes and emotional value of the sport.

• The ‘India versus Pakistan’ environment makes it difficult to treat cricket as a sport.

• The idea of a hybrid model for cricket is being discussed, but Pakistan hasn’t shown interest.

• The ICC’s lack of administrative bandwidth could lead to a decrease in World Cup viewership.