The International Cricket Council (ICC) is set to make a critical decision today regarding Pakistan’s hosting of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. The board meeting will determine both the tournament’s venue and whether it will proceed as planned amid ongoing disputes between Pakistan and India.
Pakistan has firmly opposed a hybrid model, which would see matches involving India played at a neutral venue, typically suggested as the UAE. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has communicated its stance to the ICC, with Chairman Mohsin Naqvi emphasizing that while Pakistan is willing to face challenges, it will not do so at the expense of its dignity.
Despite the tension, the PCB has made significant preparations for the event and is demanding a resolution that is fair and acceptable. However, India’s refusal to travel to Pakistan continues to be a major obstacle, complicating the scheduling and potentially causing financial issues for broadcasters.
Financially, hosting the Champions Trophy in Pakistan could bring in $6 million from hosting rights alone, not including additional revenue from ticket sales and hospitality. The PCB also needs to allocate around $1.2 million for tournament insurance. In contrast, India benefits from a significant financial advantage, receiving 38% of the ICC’s annual revenue, which amounts to $90–95 million.
The continued uncertainty over India’s participation has delayed the finalization of the tournament’s schedule, creating issues for broadcasters planning the coverage. Today’s ICC board meeting is expected to address these concerns and provide clarity on the future of the tournament.
