Pakistan was granted the honor to host the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, but uncertainties hover as India's government has denied approval for its team to visit Pakistan. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has informed the International Cricket Council (ICC) of this decision. Now, the ICC plans to execute this tournament under a 'Hybrid Model,' with an emergency meeting set for 29th November (Friday) by the executive board.
ICC's Stern Ultimatum to Pakistan
During this meeting, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) refused to host under the 'Hybrid Model,' leading the ICC to issue a firm ultimatum. PCB Chief Mohsin Naqvi, present in Dubai since Thursday to advocate for Pakistan's stance, attended in person, while BCCI Secretary Jay Shah joined online. Shah is set to take on the ICC Chairman role on December 1st.
In this meeting, the ICC clearly told the PCB to either adopt the 'Hybrid Model' or be prepared to step away from hosting. The goal was to finalize the tournament schedule, but Pakistan again rejected the model due to India's security-driven decision not to travel, leaving consensus out of reach.
Source: aajtak
It is recognized that most ICC board members sympathized with Pakistan's position, yet advised PCB Chief Mohsin Naqvi to consider the 'Hybrid Model' as a viable resolution. The ICC's ultimatum left PCB in dismay, seeking a day for internal discussions with its government. Should Pakistan accept the hybrid solution, India's matches, a semi-final, and the final would transpire in the UAE, while the remainder would occur in Pakistan, retaining hosting rights.
Financial Implications Loom for PCB
As the 'Hybrid Model' surfaces as the lone solution, postponement could cost PCB a hosting fee amounting to $6 million (approx. ₹50.73 crores). This would lead to a severe cut in PCB's annual revenue, roughly $35 million (around ₹296 crores). The ICC could also face its own set of challenges, potentially renegotiating its lucrative broadcast contract with STAR if the model is not adopted.
Meanwhile, Delhi's Ministry of External Affairs reiterated BCCI's position that India's team cannot travel to Pakistan for security reasons. When questioned about India’s participation, MEA spokesperson Randheer Jaiswal remarked, 'The BCCI has released a statement, voicing security concerns, so it's improbable for the team to tour Pakistan.'
The tournament is slated to occur from February 19 to March 9. India hasn’t played in Pakistan since the 2008 Mumbai attacks. This marks the ICC Champions Trophy's return to its calendar post-2017, where Pakistan triumphed under English skies.
