The ongoing standoff between the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) over the hosting model of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 has taken a significant turn. The PCB has shown a willingness to accept the hybrid model but insists on a written agreement that allows Pakistan similar flexibility for ICC events hosted in India.
PCB’s Conditional Agreement
The PCB has softened its stance and expressed readiness to adopt the hybrid model for the Champions Trophy 2025, where India’s matches would be hosted in Dubai. However, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi emphasized that this acceptance hinges on securing a formal agreement. The agreement would ensure Pakistan’s right to play matches outside India in future ICC events hosted there.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi:
“A one-sided arrangement is no longer acceptable. If we adopt any formula, it will be on the basis of equality.”
BCCI’s Firm Rejection
The BCCI has categorically rejected the PCB’s demand for extending the hybrid model to future ICC tournaments hosted in India. The Indian board cited the absence of credible security threats in India and stressed that accommodating such demands could set an unfavorable precedent for upcoming global events.
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Upcoming ICC Meeting
An ICC board meeting scheduled for December 6, 2024, will likely address the deadlock. Key decisions are expected, as the ICC faces mounting pressure to finalize the Champions Trophy schedule with just 77 days left for the event. The tournament’s fate may depend on a resolution to this issue.
Potential Outcomes
| Scenario | Impact |
|---|---|
| PCB Agrees to Hybrid Model | Champions Trophy proceeds; India’s matches in Dubai, Pakistan retains hosting. |
| PCB Maintains Stubborn Stance | Pakistan could lose hosting rights or be excluded from the tournament. |
| ICC Moves Entire Tournament | Financial and logistical challenges for both ICC and PCB. |
ICC’s Challenge
The ICC is caught in a tough spot, balancing the demands of both cricket boards while ensuring the smooth conduct of the tournament. Newly appointed ICC Chairman Jay Shah is expected to play a pivotal role in resolving the dispute.
Future ICC Events at Stake
The PCB’s demand has implications for India’s hosting of future ICC tournaments:
- Women’s ODI World Cup 2025
- T20 World Cup 2026 (Co-hosted with Sri Lanka)
- Champions Trophy 2029
- ODI World Cup 2031 (Co-hosted with Bangladesh)
The PCB seeks equality, arguing that Pakistan should have the same flexibility for matches in these events.
What Lies Ahead?
The ICC’s decision on December 6 could determine the direction of the Champions Trophy 2025 and future global tournaments. With both boards holding firm, the cricketing world waits to see whether the impasse can be resolved amicably or leads to drastic consequences such as relocation or exclusion.
