PCB Seeks Government Guidance as India Refuses to Travel for Champions Trophy 2025
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is consulting with the Pakistan government on how to move forward 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 was communicated to the ICC and passed on to the PCB.
BCCI Confirms India’s Withdrawal from Champions Trophy
The BCCI officially informed the ICC of India’s decision not to participate in the Champions Trophy in Pakistan. The PCB spokesperson confirmed they received an email from the ICC, which conveyed the Indian government’s decision. However, the PCB noted that no specific reasons were provided by the BCCI. As a result, the PCB has now sought advice from the Pakistan government regarding the next steps.
PCB Rejects Hybrid Model for Hosting
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who also serves as Pakistan’s Interior Minister, has firmly rejected the option of a hybrid model for hosting the Champions Trophy. Under the hybrid model, which was used during the 2023 Asia Cup, India would play its matches outside of Pakistan while the rest of the tournament would take place in the host country. Naqvi’s stance suggests that Pakistan will demand the entire tournament be held on home soil, a position backed by the government.
Government Support for PCB’s Position
Sources indicate that the Pakistani government is likely to back the PCB’s stance on hosting the Champions Trophy entirely in Pakistan, and the PCB is expected to reject the hybrid format. The government’s directive will be crucial in shaping the PCB’s position, as the board would be under pressure to comply with the government’s expectations, just as the BCCI is bound by the Indian government’s instructions.
Impact of India-Pakistan Political Tension
The situation is further complicated by the ongoing political tension between India and Pakistan, which could influence the Champions Trophy’s hosting. The ICC, with just 100 days to go before the tournament, now faces a challenging situation. Notably, ICC Chair-elect Jay Shah, son of Indian Home Minister Amit Shah, will take over the ICC chairmanship on December 1, potentially adding another layer of complexity.
Financial Importance of India-Pakistan Matches
India-Pakistan matches are considered the marquee event in any ICC tournament, attracting the highest viewership globally. The ICC has consistently scheduled at least one India-Pakistan match since the 2013 Champions Trophy, understanding its crucial financial and viewership impact. Richard Gould, CEO of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), recently stated that hosting the Champions Trophy without India or Pakistan would significantly affect broadcasting rights and overall revenues.
PCB’s Next Steps and Postponed Launch Event
In light of the ongoing developments, a planned event in Lahore to mark the 100-day countdown to the Champions Trophy has been postponed. The PCB is expected to press the ICC for an official written explanation from the BCCI regarding the reasons behind India’s withdrawal from the tournament. The eight-team Champions Trophy is scheduled to take place from February 19 to March 9, 2025, across Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi, with all three venues undergoing renovations to prepare for the event.
Defending Champions: Pakistan’s Position
Pakistan, the defending champions of the Champions Trophy after their victory in 2017, remains committed to hosting the tournament. The PCB’s firm stance, backed by the government, underscores their determination to ensure the event takes place in Pakistan, despite the challenges posed by the India-Pakistan political rift.
