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Amid ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is reportedly considering a bold move: hosting the 2025 Champions Trophy without India’s participation. Sources suggest that the PCB may send a formal proposal to the International Cricket Council (ICC) in the coming days, following the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) decision to not send its team to Pakistan for the prestigious eight-team tournament.
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PCB Considers Dropping India from Champions Trophy Line-Up
The possibility of a Champions Trophy without India has emerged as a direct response to the BCCI’s refusal to play in Pakistan due to longstanding geo-political tensions. Since 2008, no Indian cricket team has toured Pakistan, and the standoff continues to impact international cricket events hosted by Pakistan.
According to GeoSuper, the PCB is exploring a contingency plan that could see the tournament proceed without Team India. If India decides to skip the event, Sri Lanka is expected to be invited as a replacement, ensuring the tournament features eight competitive teams.
BCCI’s Push for a Hybrid Model Rejected by PCB
The BCCI has been advocating for a hybrid hosting model similar to the one used for the 2023 Asia Cup, where India’s matches were held in neutral venues like Sri Lanka, despite Pakistan being the official host. However, the PCB remains adamant that the entire 2025 Champions Trophy will be played within Pakistan’s borders, with Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi identified as key venues.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has publicly stated that he does not support the idea of splitting the tournament across different countries. He emphasized that Pakistan has the infrastructure and security measures in place to host the event successfully, as demonstrated during recent tours by top international teams.
Champions Trophy Returns After 8 Years
The Champions Trophy is set to make its comeback after an eight-year hiatus, scheduled for February and March 2025. The tournament, which was last held in 2017 in England, is a shorter, high-stakes event that traditionally features the top eight cricketing nations. The absence of India, however, could significantly impact viewership and commercial revenue, given the intense rivalry and high viewership numbers associated with India-Pakistan clashes.
What’s Next for the ICC?
The ICC now faces a challenging decision. If India opts out, it will need to balance diplomatic sensitivities with its commercial interests. Matches between India and Pakistan are among the most-watched events in cricket, often driving significant broadcast and sponsorship revenue.
With the PCB firm on its stance and India equally resolute in its refusal to play in Pakistan, the cricketing world could witness a Champions Trophy without one of its biggest drawcards. Whether this ‘Plan B’ becomes a reality remains to be seen, as the ICC navigates these complex geopolitical waters.
