IND vs PAK: BCCI to approach ICC for solution

With the series unlikely to be held, it is reported that BCCI will write to the International Cricket Council (ICC) asking for the points to be shared between the two teams.

These matches are crucial for direct qualification for the ODI World Cup in New Zealand in 2021. The teams that finish in the top four will qualify for the tournament alongside New Zealand.

The issue was reportedly discussed with BCCI’s Committee of Administrators (CoA), but has not yet been resolved. According to Times of India, the BCCI is reportedly required to produce a letter from the government to the ICC stating the reasons as to why India cannot host Pakistan.

Currently, only one point separates India and Pakistan on the championship table. India are placed at number three with 16 points, while Pakistan are fifth on the table with 15 points. The points at stake during this series, therefore, are crucial for both teams who have six matches to play - three of which are against each other.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) are adamant that the ICC award them all six points since they are ready to travel to India. It is something that could see them sneak in to the top four if they manage to upset England in at least one match of the ODI series in December.

While the BCCI has attempted to push the case of their team, they have made it clear that can do little without government approval. In the previous edition of the championship, Pakistan were awarded the full six points because India were unable to travel to Malaysia to play the three-match series.