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The ICC Board is set to convene virtually on Friday to make a long-awaited decision on the venue and structure for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, with the tournament just three months away. The meeting will focus on resolving the contentious issue of how and where the tournament will be hosted, with three options on the table:
- Hybrid Model: Most matches in Pakistan, with India’s games played at a neutral venue.
- Full Relocation: Entire tournament played outside Pakistan while allowing the PCB to retain hosting rights.
- Full Hosting by Pakistan: Entire tournament in Pakistan, without India participating.
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Current Developments
While the hybrid model initially seemed viable, the PCB (Pakistan Cricket Board) has reiterated its rejection of the option unless Pakistan is offered a reciprocal arrangement for future ICC events hosted in India. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi indicated a willingness to consult the Pakistan government if a hybrid model were proposed but emphasized that a satisfactory resolution must align with Pakistan’s interests.
The PCB’s firm stance is underpinned by the political and diplomatic deadlock with India. The BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) has made it clear that India will not travel to Pakistan, citing the lack of governmental clearance, a decision that echoes historical tensions between the two nations.
Naqvi stressed that Pakistan’s participation in Indian-hosted tournaments, including the 2026 T20 World Cup and 2029 Champions Trophy, may hinge on reciprocal measures.
Logistical and Commercial Concerns
A full tournament in Pakistan without India is nearly a non-starter due to the substantial financial hit it would inflict. The marquee clash between India and Pakistan is a massive commercial driver, and its absence could undermine the tournament’s profitability and viewership.
The hybrid model, which necessitates dual venues, would require a revised budget and additional logistical planning, adding further complexity. Meanwhile, Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore and National Stadium in Karachi, two key Pakistani venues, are undergoing significant upgrades. The PCB has assured the ICC that these renovations will be completed by the year’s end.
Historical Context
Pakistan earned hosting rights for the Champions Trophy in 2021, marking what could be the first ICC event held in the country since the 1996 World Cup. However, the BCCI’s refusal to send a team to Pakistan mirrors a long-standing diplomatic freeze, with no Indian team visiting since 2008.
Pakistan, on the other hand, has made three visits to India since then, most recently for the 2023 ODI World Cup, after government clearance was secured. Despite these precedents, India’s decision not to tour Pakistan for the Champions Trophy reignites longstanding tensions.
What’s at Stake?
The ICC Board faces a tight deadline to finalize the venue, as tournament preparations hinge on this decision. A vote may be required if consensus remains elusive. However, the urgency to secure a resolution underscores the importance of the event to cricket’s global calendar.
As the clock ticks, all eyes are on the ICC to deliver a solution that balances geopolitical sensitivities with cricket’s broader interests, ensuring that the 2025 Champions Trophy proceeds as planned.
