The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has requested advice from the Pakistan government on how to proceed with hosting the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed that India will not travel to Pakistan for the tournament. This decision comes after the Indian government made it clear that it would not permit India’s national team to participate.
BCCI Informs ICC of India’s Decision
The BCCI communicated to the ICC this week that India will not travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy. The ICC then formally relayed this message to the PCB, which is now seeking guidance from the federal government on the next steps to take. A PCB spokesperson confirmed that the notification was received by email, but no formal written explanation has been provided by the BCCI regarding the Indian government’s decision.
PCB Rejects Hybrid Model Hosting Format
In response to the situation, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who also holds the position of Pakistan’s Interior Minister, firmly stated that the PCB will not accept a hybrid model for hosting the tournament. This model was used in the 2023 Asia Cup, where India played its matches outside Pakistan. Naqvi’s stance aligns with the Pakistani government’s likely directive to ensure the tournament is held entirely within Pakistan.
Political Tensions Impact ICC Event
The growing political tensions between India and Pakistan continue to influence ICC events. With Jay Shah, the son of India’s Home Minister Amit Shah, set to take over as ICC Chair in December, the situation is becoming more complex. The decision regarding India’s participation in the 2025 Champions Trophy may escalate further as these political dynamics unfold.
India-Pakistan Matches Critical for ICC Events
India and Pakistan matches have consistently been a key highlight in global cricket tournaments, drawing the highest viewership. Since 2013, the ICC has ensured that these two teams face each other at least once in every global event. This ongoing rivalry is central to the appeal of ICC events, and its absence could impact the success of the tournament.
Financial Impact on ICC Events
Richard Gould, CEO of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), highlighted the financial importance of India and Pakistan in the global cricket ecosystem. Gould noted that without one of these teams, the broadcast rights and overall viewership of the Champions Trophy would suffer significantly.
Postponement of Champions Trophy Countdown Event
A planned event in Lahore to launch the schedule and begin the 100-day countdown to the Champions Trophy has been postponed due to the ongoing dispute. The PCB is now pushing the ICC to obtain a formal written explanation from the BCCI regarding its decision, specifically citing the reasons behind the Indian government’s refusal to send the team to Pakistan.
Event Details and Preparations
Despite the challenges, the Champions Trophy is still scheduled to take place from February 19 to March 9, 2025, across Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi. The PCB is making significant efforts to prepare the stadiums for the event, including renovations and upgrades. As the defending champions, Pakistan will look to retain their title after winning the tournament in 2017.