Champions Trophy 2025:
In light of ongoing tensions surrounding the staging of the Champions Trophy, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) faces crucial decisions. Opting out of this prominent 50-over tournament, scheduled for February-March, could not only lead to substantial revenue losses for PCB but also expose them to potential lawsuits and increase their isolation in the international cricket domain.
A seasoned cricket administrator associated with the International Cricket Council (ICC) shared insights with PTI on Wednesday. They emphasized that unless the ICC and BCCI fully embrace the hybrid model, opting out of the tournament will be a daunting choice for the PCB.
The administrator remarked, ‘Pakistan's obligations are clear—having signed hosting agreements with the ICC along with other nations. The Mandatory Participation Agreement (MPA) with ICC is pivotal for members to share in tournament profits.’
Source: aajtak
‘The ICC has secured broadcasting deals which guarantee participation from all member countries, including in the Champions Trophy. With these guarantees, pulling out sans solid backing from other executive members could be risky for Pakistan elsewhere,’ they noted.
Last week, the ICC reached a consensus to organize the Champions Trophy through a hybrid model, meaning India will play their matches in Dubai. This model's formal announcement is pending, but it suggests Pakistan won’t be required to visit India for ICC events till 2027.
Considering the potential implications, the PCB's withdrawal could prompt ICC and its 16 executive board members to take legal action against them. The financial blow to all stakeholders would be severe, and without robust support from other executive members, PCB’s standing is precarious.
A Historic Milestone since 1996 for Pakistan
The 1996 World Cup was the last ICC event co-hosted by both India and Pakistan. However, current prospects foreshadow limited possibilities for Pakistan's hosting.
Last Bilateral Series in 2012
India and Pakistan haven’t engaged in a bilateral series since 2012. Despite their separate paths, contests in ICC tournaments and the last year’s altered format of the Asia Cup facilitated rare encounters.
The Champions Trophy Returns after 2017
Marking its return since 2017, the Champions Trophy will feature a potential new 'hybrid' format with India's matches possibly relocated to the UAE. Pakistan was victorious in the 2017 England-hosted edition and is both eager and committed to hosting the upcoming tournament from February 19 to March 9.
The Indian team hasn't visited Pakistan since the 2008 Asia Cup. The last bilateral series between the two was held in 2012-13, with subsequent meetings solely in ICC and Asia Cup tournaments.
Source: aajtak
