The 2025 Champions Trophy has become a focal point of tension between India and Pakistan, two rivals with a longstanding history of both political and sports-related conflicts.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced that it will not send the Indian team to Pakistan for the tournament, creating a significant challenge for the International Cricket Council (ICC).
With India’s participation uncertain, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is pressing the ICC to address India’s decision and consider its implications for Pakistan.
The BCCI cites security concerns as the main reason for not sending the Indian team to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy.
The tournament is set to run from February 19 to March 9, 2025. The PCB proposed that India could play its matches in Lahore and return home the same day via the Attari border. However, the BCCI remains firm, placing the ICC in a difficult situation.
Former PCB chairman Najam Sethi, speaking to a news channel, emphasized India’s influence within the ICC, attributing it to the significant revenue India generates. Sethi noted that if the ICC relocates the tournament to a neutral venue like Sri Lanka or Dubai, it would still financially impact Pakistan, as ICC revenue is vital for sustaining cricket in the country.
“I will tell you one thing. ICC will always side with India. Remember this. Now, if they move the tournament to Sri Lanka or Dubai, and Pakistan doesn’t participate, then it will cost the ICC and also India & Pakistan because the ICC revenues are distributed in a portion. Major portion goes to India and the fourth portion goes to Pakistan. It doesn’t bother India much. They (BCCI) are very rich. But it matters a lot for Pakistan if their revenues drop. That will be another issue for Pakistan,” Sethi explained.
The PCB has dismissed the option of a hybrid model, where India would play in a neutral location while other matches occurred in Pakistan. Sethi urged the PCB to consider the implications, saying, “If you have rejected a hybrid model after India refused to come and also rejected playing in another country, then you won’t play in the future ICC events also.”
By refusing to participate, Pakistan risks isolating itself from the ICC and losing crucial funding. Sethi suggested that the PCB’s strong stance might be a negotiation tactic to secure more home matches, though he warned against basing decisions on emotions. A rigid approach, he said, could limit Pakistan’s future in international cricket.
The ICC is now tasked with mediating this complex dispute, with the tournament’s success hanging in the balance. Both boards must carefully weigh their options.
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Name of Author: Cricexec Staff
