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Former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Najam Sethi has issued a stern warning to the PCB, urging them to reconsider their stance on potentially withdrawing from the Champions Trophy 2025 if there’s a change in the tournament’s venue. Sethi believes that the International Cricket Council (ICC) typically sides with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on matters of security and political issues, and that Pakistan’s exit from the tournament could result in severe financial repercussions.
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Champions Trophy 2025 Standoff: India vs. Pakistan
The standoff between India and Pakistan over the hosting rights of the Champions Trophy 2025 continues to escalate. The BCCI has formally informed the ICC that Team India will not travel to Pakistan due to security concerns. In response, the PCB rejected the idea of a hybrid model, where matches would be split between two countries, and has written to the ICC, seeking clarification on India’s refusal.
Adding to the tension, reports suggest that Pakistan has threatened to withdraw from the tournament if their hosting rights are revoked and may even boycott playing against India in future ICC events.
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Najam Sethi Urges PCB to Think Logically
Speaking to Samaa TV, Najam Sethi expressed skepticism about the PCB’s protest with the ICC, pointing out that the ICC has historically favored India in such disputes. Sethi highlighted that Pakistan’s withdrawal from the Champions Trophy would lead to substantial financial losses for the PCB, losses they are ill-equipped to bear. Conversely, the BCCI, being the wealthiest cricket board, can easily absorb any revenue shortfall.
“The ICC always sides with India. If they move the tournament to Sri Lanka or Dubai, and Pakistan decides not to participate, it will hurt the ICC financially but not as much as it will hurt Pakistan. A significant portion of ICC revenues goes to India, while Pakistan receives a much smaller share. India can afford this; Pakistan cannot,” Sethi stated.
Sethi also emphasized that the Champions Trophy has broader implications for future ICC events, and PCB should be cautious about isolating itself from international cricket.
“If PCB rejects a hybrid model and also refuses to play in another country, they are essentially pushing themselves out of ICC events. This isolation will leave Pakistan dependent on bilateral series, which generate far less revenue. Bilateral cricket is reciprocal, and you don’t make much money from it. Pakistan will struggle financially if it limits itself to only bilateral tours,” Sethi added.
India as a Potential Host for Champions Trophy
The Champions Trophy 2025 was initially awarded to Pakistan, but the impasse over India’s participation has cast doubt on its location. SportsTak reported that India is already being considered as an alternative host if Pakistan withdraws. Sources within the BCCI have hinted at ongoing discussions to move the tournament, given India’s robust cricketing infrastructure and massive fan base.
Speaking on the SportsTak YouTube channel, Vikrant Gupta noted that shifting the Champions Trophy to India could still result in a highly successful event, even without Pakistan’s participation.
What Lies Ahead?
The situation remains tense as both cricket boards dig in their heels. With the Champions Trophy being a crucial tournament in the World Test Championship cycle, any changes in participation or venue could have far-reaching implications for the future of international cricket. The coming weeks are likely to be critical as the ICC navigates this diplomatic and logistical challenge.
