Photo Credit: ECB
The ECB’s senior leadership has acknowledged that the need to “protect broadcast rights” will prevent any changes to the participating teams for next year’s Champions Trophy, even if India decides not to travel to Pakistan. The tournament is set to take place in Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi, though India has not played in Pakistan since 2008.
ECB chief executive Richard Gould and chair Richard Thompson stated that “lots of different alternatives and contingencies” are being considered if India does not travel, including the possibility of a hybrid model. However, they emphasized that holding the Champions Trophy without India is not an option.
Last year, the BCCI chose not to send a team to Pakistan for the Asia Cup due to strained relations between the two countries, which led to a hybrid model with India’s matches played in Sri Lanka. In contrast, Pakistan participated fully in the 2023 World Cup held in India, narrowly missing out on the semi-finals.
Pakistan has not hosted a major ICC event since co-hosting the 1996 men’s 50-over World Cup, and the PCB remains “fully committed” to delivering a “world-class” Champions Trophy. Whether India travels to Pakistan will depend on the Indian government’s approval.
“It would not be in cricket’s interests for India not to be playing in the Champions Trophy,” Thompson remarked.
He added that Jay Shah, the former BCCI secretary and current ICC chair, would play a key role in resolving the matter. While security concerns and geopolitics will influence decisions, Thompson expressed optimism that a solution will be found.
Gould and Thompson are currently in Pakistan ahead of ICC meetings in Dubai and have been meeting with PCB officials during England’s second Test in Multan. Gould highlighted the importance of India and Pakistan’s participation for broadcast revenue: “If you play the Champions Trophy without India, or Pakistan, the broadcast rights aren’t there, and we need to protect them.”
Pakistan is the designated host, and Gould noted that ongoing developments are being closely monitored while waiting to see if India will travel. He reiterated that alternative plans are in place if needed, but emphasized the significance of Pakistan hosting a major ICC event after a long hiatus.
Thompson predicted that a resolution regarding India’s participation would come down to the last minute, citing historical precedents. He remains confident that India will participate, noting, “These things tend to go to the wire.”
The PCB’s stance remains firm, with a board official confirming that they want the entire tournament played in Pakistan. While the fixtures for the Champions Trophy have not yet been released, the PCB has submitted a draft schedule to the ICC, proposing the tournament run from February 19 to March 9, with India’s matches in Lahore.
The Champions Trophy will feature eight teams: Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, and South Africa, with the format including two groups of four, followed by semi-finals and a final.
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Name of Author: Cricexec Staff
