In response to the news coming out on India about Indian Team not travelling to Pakistan for ICC Champions Trophy, PCB chief also addressed media about the situation.
ICC Champions Trophy: The forthcoming 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, which is scheduled to take place in Pakistan, has met a major setback. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has notified the International Cricket Council (ICC) that the Indian squad would not travel to Pakistan for the event. According to the BCCI, the decision is in line with Indian government instructions. The eight-nation competition, which was supposed to take place from February 19 to March 9 at three different venues across Pakistan, is presently in a difficult situation. The ICC and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) may have to develop a contingency plan, most likely a hybrid format with matches split between Pakistan and another host country.
However, modifications to the ICC Champions Trophy are unlikely to be uncomplicated. Recently, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi denied the concept of a hybrid model and any current conversations regarding it. Despite this, Cric92 knows that the ICC and PCB had been planning for a variety of scenarios, including a hybrid strategy, months in advance. Given Pakistan’s regional proximity, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) appears to be the preferred alternative destination, with Sri Lanka also on the shortlist. The PCB’s opposition to the hybrid format reflects its unhappiness at not being able to host the entire tournament, particularly given prior compromises in international tournaments such as the last ODI World Cup in India.
To date, contact for the ICC Champions Trophy has been primarily informal between the BCCI and the ICC. The BCCI apparently communicated their viewpoint to the ICC early this week, but a formal letter has yet to be confirmed. Naqvi has highlighted that any objections from the BCCI must be noted in writing before any further action can be taken. In addition, Naqvi has stated that if a written protest is received, he will consult with the Pakistani government to determine the appropriate course of action. The PCB’s staunch attitude suggests that without formal BCCI documentation, no steps will be taken to change Pakistan’s hosting arrangements.
Meanwhile, the planning for the ICC Champions Trophy confronts logistical and diplomatic obstacles. Naqvi’s recent comments reflect discontent within the PCB, as Pakistan committed to send a team to India for the 2023 ODI World Cup despite India’s refusal to travel to Pakistan for the Asia Cup. The Asia Cup was eventually run under a hybrid model, with the final phases held in Sri Lanka. Given the lack of reciprocity in hosting, Naqvi said that Pakistan’s participation in future tournaments hosted by India may be dependent on government choices.
The ICC Champions Trophy preparations are now questionable as the event approaches. The event will include eight teams—Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, and South Africa—divided into two four-team groups, followed by semi-finals and finals. The official schedule and tickets information are still pending as of Monday, November 11, 100 days before the tournaments scheduled start date. Due to the current situation, an announcement event scheduled for next week in Lahore would most likely be postponed. Pakistan and India’s political difficulties have severely hampered their cricketing interactions, with India not visiting Pakistan since the 2008 Asia Cup. This history of limited engagement emphasizes the significance of a clear tournament format.
Finally, the ICC Champions Trophy remains in turmoil, with significant political obstacles. The scenario reflects greater geopolitical concerns and may set the tone for future cricket tournaments between these adversaries. With the tournament starting soon, the ICC and PCB are under increasing pressure to establish a reasonable solution that maintains Pakistan’s hosting position while also ensuring participation from all qualified teams.
Also Read: ICC Champions trophy 2025: Schedule to be announced next week.