(Source X)
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has caught the ICC off guard with their assertion that they will host the ICC Champions Trophy next year, even amid India’s probable absence from the tournament.
Scheduled to kick off on February 19 and culminate with the final in Lahore on March 9 (with a reserve day on March 10), the tournament includes Pakistan, England, New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and India as potential participants.
There are rumblings that Sri Lanka could step in should India withdraw, but the ICC is reportedly taken aback by the PCB’s lack of contingency plans in case of India’s non-participation.
Despite suggestions of alternative venues like the UAE or Sri Lanka, no formal discussions have taken place with respective boards yet. The BCCI has consistently maintained that decisions regarding cricket in Pakistan hinge on government directives, which they will abide by.
India unlikely to visit Pakistan for ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
Meanwhile, the PCB has questioned India’s hesitancy to travel to Pakistan for the tournament, arguing that if other teams are willing to participate, India should not have any reservations either. They have remained steadfast in their stance as the official hosts of the tournament, firmly asserting their position.
The PCB’s resolute stance has also diminished the likelihood of the tournament being conducted in a hybrid model. Despite suggestions of UAE or Sri Lanka as potential alternative venues, no official communication has been initiated with their respective cricket boards thus far.
Any last-minute changes could introduce complications, potentially risking Pakistan’s hosting rights. PCB Chief Mohsin Naqvi has issued a stern warning to the ICC, emphasizing Pakistan’s exclusive hosting of the Champions Trophy 2025 and expressing opposition to any hybrid tournament format.
Earlier, reports indicated that the BCCI had urged the ICC to develop a hybrid model plan for the tournament, which was discussed during meetings held in Colombo from July 19 to 22.
“If the Indian government declines permission, it has to be in writing, and it is mandatory for the BCCI to provide that letter to the ICC now. It is a fact that we are insistent that the BCCI must inform the ICC about its travel plans to Pakistan at least 5-6 months before the tournament and in writing,” A PCB source said in the meeting held in Colombo.
Following the inconclusive meeting, prospects for the BCCI to send the Indian team to Pakistan for the tournament appear exceedingly slim. According to sources within the BCCI, there is currently no possibility of traveling to Pakistan. Meanwhile, the ICC has earmarked additional funds to prepare for any unforeseen circumstances.
“The ICC Management is recommending additional costs just in case it is necessary to play some matches outside Pakistan if such a situation arises later on,” a source was quoted as saying by PTI.
