Three proposals are anticipated to be given during today’s ICC Board meeting, which will examine the issue.
After a long time away from hosting an ICC event, Pakistan is preparing to host the Champions Trophy at the start of 2025. But India has put up a fight, refusing to send a team to Pakistan and claiming government limitations. The tournament schedule is therefore still subject to change. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has vehemently rejected the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) hybrid model, which would see Indian matches played in the United Arab Emirates.
Three proposals are anticipated to be given at the ICC Board meeting on Friday, where the issue will be discussed:
- Hybrid Model: India’s games are held in the United Arab Emirates, while the majority of matches are played in Pakistan. In the event that India advances to the semifinals or final, the UAE would host those games as well.
- Complete Relocation: Although the competition is being held outside of Pakistan, PCB still has the hosting rights.
- Without India: The tournament proceeds in Pakistan without India’s participation.
Because of the ramifications for sponsorship and broadcasting, the third alternative appears improbable. The choice between the first two will be decided by a vote.
The PCB has officially rejected the hybrid concept, according to reports, and has stated that it would not share hosting rights with any other nation. Before Friday’s meeting, PCB officials have asked the ICC to come up with a workable solution, stressing that Pakistan will not tolerate a situation in which its team plays in India but India declines to play in Pakistan.
Salman Naseer, the former COO, and PCB COO Sameer Syed are currently in Dubai to meet with ICC representatives. If India’s hybrid format is accepted, the PCB has recommended that Pakistan’s team play its games in a neutral location as well.
Given the current situation, the Pakistani government is also anticipated to refuse permission for their cricket team to visit India. In recent conversations with ICC authorities, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to upholding its values and dignity, even if it means hosting this event.
The decision may be influenced by the BCCI’s financial donations, which give it considerable clout inside the ICC. The ICC will be led by BCCI Secretary Jay Shah beginning next month, further solidifying India’s hold on the council.
In preparation for the Champions Trophy, the PCB has already spent PKR 13 billion to upgrade stadiums in Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi. The PCB has categorically rejected the ICC’s purported offer of monetary compensation for possible losses.
Pakistan is ready to go to court if an agreement cannot be reached. To make sure its rights are upheld, the board has already sought legal advice from London attorneys.
Chairman Greg Barclay, Mohsin Naqvi of Pakistan, Jay Shah of India, and delegates from Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, Sri Lanka, the West Indies, and Zimbabwe are among the 17 members of the ICC Board of Directors. The council also includes Imran Khwaja, the deputy chairman, and three associate member directors.
