ECB chief warns of financial fallout if India skips 2025 Champions Trophy

The Chair of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), Richard Thompson, and CEO Richard Gould, have emphasized the significant role the Indian cricket team will play in the upcoming 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, set to be hosted in Pakistan in February-March.

Speaking to British journalists, Thompson expressed concerns about the financial implications of India’s potential absence from the tournament.

"Cricket cannot afford to lose its broadcasting rights, and the Champions Trophy without India would not be in the best interest of the sport," he added.

India’s participation in the tournament, led by Rohit Sharma, is uncertain due to ongoing geopolitical tensions between India and Pakistan.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Vice President Rajeev Shukla confirmed that the decision to send India’s team will rest with the Indian government.

"No decision has been taken (yet). But our policy is that for international tours, we always seek the permission of the government.

It's up to the government to decide whether our team should go to any country or our team should not go to any country,” BCCI Vice President Rajeev Shukla said while talking to an Indian news channel.

The ECB also revealed that hybrid venue models, which could allow India’s matches to be played outside of Pakistan, are under consideration by the International Cricket Council (ICC) if India refuses to travel to Pakistan.

However, Thompson pointed out that the final decision will heavily depend on Jay Shah, the soon-to-be ICC Chair, who is also the current BCCI Secretary.

CEO Richard Gould echoed Thompson’s concerns, noting that discussions regarding hybrid models are expected to be held soon by the ICC.

“Whenever Pakistan and India play, security concerns in the region escalate, but the financial stakes for broadcasting rights are significant,” said Richard Gould.

He added that the final decisions regarding the Champions Trophy will be made closer to the event as the situation continues to evolve.

India has not toured Pakistan since 2008, and both countries have not played a bilateral series since 2012-13 due to political tensions.

Despite this, Pakistan has successfully hosted international teams, and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) remains hopeful that India will participate.

The 2025 ICC Champions Trophy will feature eight teams, including India, Australia, New Zealand, England, South Africa, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan, based on their performances in the 2023 ODI World Cup.

Matches will be held across three venues in Pakistan — Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi.

The PCB has allocated Rs12.80 billion for the renovation of these stadiums to meet international standards, with a proposed schedule that suggests India will play all their matches in Lahore.

All other participating teams have toured Pakistan in recent years, leading the PCB to believe that India has no substantial reason to avoid traveling for the tournament.

Indian media spreads false claims about ICC delegation's visit to Pakistan

Last month, India launched a negative propaganda campaign concerning Pakistan's hosting of the 2025 Champions Trophy, spreading false reports about the recent visit of an International Cricket Council (ICC) delegation to Pakistan.

Indian media outlets claimed that the delegation expressed concerns over Pakistan's ability to host the event, though this was strongly denied.

Later, Mohsin Naqvi confirmed that the ICC delegation was pleased with the security arrangements observed in Karachi, Rawalpindi, and Islamabad.

He reassured stakeholders that world-class preparations were underway for the ICC Champions Trophy, with all stadium upgrades set for completion in advance of the event.

The team, including senior manager of events Sarah Edgar, event lead Aun Muhammad Zaidi, general manager of cricket Wasim Khan, security manager David Musker, and broadcast consultant Mansoor Manj, visited key venues and discussed plans with Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi.

They were updated on stadium upgrades, security measures, and facilities for fans.