This scenario opens up the extraordinary possibility that the venue for the final will not be known until March 6, just three days before the match, depending on whether India qualify. Until then, two grounds would have to prepare to stage the final, with competing teams and match officials, media and fans alike unsure of the venue.

As well as India’s group games and potentially the final, a semi-final would also need to be staged outside Pakistan should India reach the final four. As well as Dubai, Abu Dhabi and potentially Sharjah also have the facilities to host games at late notice if needed.

There is a precedent for Pakistan staging a tournament but India not playing in the country. Last year’s Asia Cup was originally planned to be played exclusively in Pakistan but was instead shared with Sri Lanka. All of India’s matches – including against Pakistan – were played in Sri Lanka.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India has said that, on matters of touring Pakistan, it is led by the Indian government. India have not played Pakistan in a bilateral series since 2012-13, but the two countries have continued to meet in global events.

At this year’s T20 World Cup, India were guaranteed to play their semi-final in Guyana, regardless of where they finished in the preceding stage. Should the hybrid model be adopted for the Champions Trophy, India would be guaranteed to play their semi-final and, potentially, final away from Pakistan, while other teams were unsure about what country they would potentially play in.

All India’s group games in the competition have been awarded to Lahore, which is only two hours from the border with India and easily accessible by road. While the schedule rendered India’s logistics for the tournament as easy as possible, the team are still not permitted to travel to Pakistan.

Unless that changes in the next four months, all of India’s games – including the group clash with Pakistan – could be played in the United Arab Emirates instead. India will also play New Zealand and Bangladesh in their pool matches.

At this stage, tournament organisers remain hopeful that the Champions Trophy will be played in full in Pakistan.