New Delhi, November 19, 2024
The International Cricket Council (ICC) is actively engaging with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to explore a hybrid hosting model for the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025, following the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) firm stance against sending the Indian team to Pakistan.
The Champions Trophy, an eight-team tournament, is scheduled to commence on February 19, 2025, as per the draft schedule. However, venue disagreements between the BCCI and PCB have delayed the official announcement of the tournament schedule.
BCCI’s Stand and Hybrid Model Proposal
The BCCI has communicated to the ICC that the Indian team will not travel to Pakistan, citing concerns over security and diplomatic challenges. To address the stalemate, ICC officials are reportedly holding back-channel discussions with the PCB to adopt a hybrid model, which would involve India playing their matches at neutral venues, likely in the UAE, while the rest of the tournament remains hosted in Pakistan.
According to ANI sources, ICC is emphasizing the significance of India’s participation, noting that the tournament’s success hinges on the involvement of all member nations. A finalized schedule is expected to be announced within the next few days, with a potential compromise in sight.
PCB’s Response
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi expressed disappointment over the lack of communication from the ICC regarding India’s refusal to travel. Speaking to reporters, Naqvi reaffirmed Pakistan’s readiness to address any concerns raised by India.
“If India has any concerns about sending their team to Pakistan, they must talk to us, and we will remove them. I don’t think there is any reason for India not to come to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy,” Naqvi stated.
Naqvi also clarified that all other participating teams have expressed willingness to travel to Pakistan, emphasizing the nation’s capability to host the high-profile event. “Every team that has qualified for the Champions Trophy is ready to come. Nobody has any issues. If India has concerns, they should communicate, and we can ease those concerns,” he added.
Path Forward
While the PCB has shown openness to dialogue, the BCCI’s firm position on the matter underscores the geopolitical complexities surrounding cricketing ties between the two nations. The ICC is now tasked with finding a middle ground to ensure the smooth conduct of the tournament.
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 promises to be a marquee event in the cricketing calendar, and its success will largely depend on resolving the impasse between the two cricketing giants.
Stay tuned to the Board of Sports in India (BOSI) website for further updates on this developing story.
