ICC Champions Trophy 2025 - PCB's plans in case India refuses to play in Pakistan?
The PCB, however, opposes any hybrid model and insists that the entire event be hosted in Pakistan
Dubai: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is seeking clarification from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) regarding their participation in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy scheduled for February- March 2025 in Pakistan.
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will be the first major international cricket tournament hosted solely by Pakistan. Previously, Pakistan had co-hosted the 1996 Cricket World Cup with India and Sri Lanka, and before that co-hosted the Reliance Cup with India in 1987
The tournament will feature the host nation and defending champions, Pakistan, along with Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, New Zealand, and South Africa.
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) reportedly warned ICC to boycott the T20 World Cup 2026 if Team India denies traveling to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy which is scheduled to be played in February next year. The Board of Control for Cricket in India is yet to decide on India's take on traveling to Pakistan for the upcoming ICC event.
History of political tension
This request comes amidst speculation that India might not travel to Pakistan due to political tensions. Indo-Pakistani relations have a long history of being strained, with cricket tours often caught in the crossfire. The last time the Indian cricket team toured Pakistan was in 2008, and since then, bilateral series have been held only at neutral venues.
Written proof for travel ban
According to a PCB source, the board is requesting written confirmation from the BCCI regarding the Indian government's denial of permission for the team to travel to Pakistan. This request is based on the argument that a travel ban, likely due to security concerns, is preventing India's participation.
The Indian government typically does not provide written refusals or explanations for their decisions, raising concerns that a last-minute withdrawal by India could jeopardize the event.
Both ICC and PCP against hybrid model
The upcoming ICC annual conference in Colombo on July 19 is not expected to address the "Hybrid Model" proposition. This model, implemented by the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) for the 2023 Asia Cup, would see India play their Champions Trophy matches in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). However, the ICC has reportedly allocated additional funds in case the tournament ends up being contested by only two nations.
The PCB, however, opposes any hybrid model and insists that the entire event be hosted in Pakistan. Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has repeatedly emphasized this stance. The PCB is expected to firmly present its position at the ICC meeting.
What will happen if India refuses
If India proceeds with the event under the hybrid model, Pakistan might miss out on hosting a semi-final and the final. According to the proposed schedule, the opening match on February 19 will be held at the National Stadium in Karachi, with the final on March 9 at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. If the Colombo meeting reaches a consensus, the ICC will release the event schedule shortly thereafter.