New Delhi. Top officials including England and Wales Cricket Board chairman Richard Thompson have suggested that conducting the Champions Trophy without India is not an option. The ECB says that if Rohit Sharma's team does not travel to the host country Pakistan, then there are many other options available. India has not played cricket in Pakistan since 2008 due to tense relations between the two countries and their travel is completely dependent on government approval. The BCCI is unlikely to get permission from the government to send the team to Lahore. Due to this, the Champions Trophy seems to be the most likely option in the 'hybrid model'.

Like the Asia Cup last year, India can play its matches in a third country. While other matches can be held in Pakistan. The tournament will be held in February-March. Thompson is in Pakistan with ECB Chief Executive Officer Richard Gold. He told 'ESPNcricinfo', 'India not playing in the Champions Trophy will not be in the interest of cricket.' A decision on India's visit to the Champions Trophy can be taken in December before current BCCI secretary Jay Shah takes charge of the ICC. Shah was elected as ICC President in August.

'They will find a way'
Thompson said, 'It is interesting. Former BCCI secretary and now ICC president Jay Shah will have a big role in this. There will be geopolitics and then cricket geopolitics. I think they will find a way. They have to find a way. If you play in the Champions Trophy without India or Pakistan, there will be no broadcasting rights and we need to secure them. They (Pakistan) are the host country. We have seen the developments and we are all waiting to understand whether India is going to travel to Pakistan for this. That is the key. We think there are some discussions. I know Pakistan hopes that India will travel. If this does not happen then there are many different options available.

India and Pakistan play each other in the World Cup and Asia Cup.
India and Pakistan play each other in many team tournaments like the World Cup and the Asia Cup. It is not yet clear whether the Indian team will go to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy or not. BCCI has put the ball in the court of the Indian government. The Indian board says that whatever order the government gives will be followed.