Source: Cricket Next

Mumbai: Pakistan’s dream of hosting the Champions Trophy next year is already turning sour. The BCCI has made it clear they won’t change their schedule to play in the tournament.

For the Pakistan Cricket Board, this is a frightening development. Their most trusted ally appears to have dumped them but the message from the BCCI is clear: they will stand by the PCB only till it doesn’t hurt their own interests.

“I don’t know how will we find dates in September but nobody will like to disturb the bi-lateral series (between India and Australia) and the Future Tours Program,” said BCCI secretary Niranjan Shah.

Australia is scheduled to start a seven-match one-day series in India on the 13th of October next year. That’s just three days after the Twenty20 champions league tournament.

So, understandably the organisers of that tournament aren’t shedding any tears for the Champions Trophy.

“We will listen to what everybody has to say. But we are united and have taken a collective decision that the tournament (Champions League) will be played on the particular dates and everybody will be available,” said Lalit Modi.

So, its clear that the PCB can do little now but hope for a miracle. It’s cricketers feel increasingly isolated and the ICC’s bravado will be of little comfort.

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Tags: BCCI, champions trophy, India, Niranjan Shah, PCB