Lahore: Tensions between Pakistan and India continue to escalate over the issue of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) firmly instructing the International Cricket Council (ICC) not to present a hybrid model for the event during a crucial executive board meeting scheduled for today (Friday).
The meeting, which will take place online, has one main agenda: finalizing the schedule for the Champions Trophy. This follows India’s refusal to tour Pakistan for the February 19 to March 9, eight-nation tournament. Originally, the ICC had planned to announce the schedule by November 20, but it has been delayed due to the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) stance.
Sources close to the development informed Dawn that the PCB and ICC have been engaged in discussions over the past few days to find a resolution to the crisis triggered by India’s refusal. In response, the ICC convened the meeting and invited all 16 member countries to join online to explore possible solutions to the issue. However, the PCB remains adamant that it will not accept a hybrid model and insists on hosting the entire tournament in Pakistan, regardless of India’s participation.
Meanwhile, the ICC, concerned about potential financial losses in the event of India’s absence, is reportedly exploring various options for the tournament, including the hybrid model. Under this model, all matches involving India would be held outside Pakistan, including the semi-finals and final, should India qualify.
A PCB official stated, “The PCB has informed the ICC not to present any hybrid model during today’s meeting, as our government has rejected it. If the ICC proposes any alternative to the hybrid model, the PCB will seek the government’s approval again, as we are bound to follow the government’s instructions.”
The official also mentioned that if the ICC introduces a majority vote to shift the tournament away from Pakistan, the PCB will once again consult the government to decide whether to participate or boycott the event.
When asked about the possibility of forfeiting the group-stage match against India, similar to how Australia and the West Indies forfeited their matches in Sri Lanka during the 1996 World Cup due to security concerns, the official said this could be an option, but only with the consent of the federal government.
Furthermore, the PCB has requested the ICC to present the Indian government’s letter, which directed the BCCI not to visit Pakistan for the Champions Trophy. Despite repeated requests, the ICC has yet to provide a written explanation from the BCCI regarding the refusal to play in Pakistan.
The official emphasized, “Pakistan has sent its national team to India multiple times, despite security threats, yet the BCCI has continuously barred Pakistani cricketers from participating in the Indian Premier League (IPL). But enough is enough. Now, the PCB will follow the government’s decision if the ICC moves the Champions Trophy or uses the hybrid model.”
The PCB official further drew parallels to a past incident when the British government denied visas to Zimbabwe’s team for the 2009 T20 World Cup, and the ICC replaced them with the Netherlands. He suggested that if India does not wish to play in Pakistan, the ICC should consider including the next best team to replace India.
Regarding the potential postponement of the tournament, the official noted that while all teams would face financial losses, the BCCI, which receives a significant portion of ICC revenues (38%), would suffer the most. In contrast, Pakistan only receives 5.75% of the total income.
If the PCB successfully hosts the Champions Trophy, it will earn $6 million in hosting fees, along with additional income from ticket sales. However, the PCB will have to allocate $1.5 million from the hosting fee to cover event insurance.
In a show of support, the Bangladeshi High Commissioner in Pakistan, Muhammad Ruhul Alam Siddique, expressed his best wishes for Pakistan’s successful hosting of the Champions Trophy. The message was conveyed during a meeting between the Bangladeshi High Commissioner, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, and the Federal Minister for Interior, where discussions also focused on strengthening bilateral relations and promoting cricket in both countries.
