CT's fate to be decided next week

PCB remains firm in its stance to host entire Champions Trophy in Pakistan

KARACHI:

The upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is entangled in challenges as India's refusal to travel to Pakistan has complicated the situation further. The matter is set to be discussed in an ICC Board meeting, expected to take place via video conference early next week. During the meeting, discussions on the hybrid hosting model will be a key agenda item.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has remained firm in its stance, insisting on hosting all matches within Pakistan. On the other hand, India has expressed its preference to play its matches in the UAE. The PCB is likely to face pressure to accept the hybrid model. In case of refusal, there are threats of the entire event being relocated.

If the tournament is shifted, PCB would face two options: either withdraw from the event entirely or refuse to play against India. Both parties are unwilling to compromise, and the ICC's role has been criticized as that of a silent spectator.

With the clock ticking, stakeholders are growing increasingly anxious, pushing for the tournament's schedule to be finalized soon. The situation might further tilt in India's favor as Jay Shah, the Indian board's chief, is set to take on a leadership role in the ICC early next month. Shah has already been in Dubai in recent days, reportedly lobbying for support.

Insiders claim that the ICC already leans towards India due to financial interests, and Shah's leadership could further disrupt the balance. PCB officials have initiated lobbying efforts to gather support from other cricket boards. Recent meetings between PCB officials and England board representatives highlight this effort.

Should a decision go against Pakistan, legal action may follow. There is also a possibility that broadcasters, facing losses, could take legal action against the ICC if Pakistan refuses to play against India.

The PCB has invested heavily in preparing for the tournament, with approximately 13 billion PKR spent on stadium renovations. Reports suggest there may be attempts to offset PCB's financial losses to persuade them to accept the hybrid model.

The 17-member ICC Board includes Chairman Greg Barclay, an independent director (yet to be confirmed), Mohsin Naqvi (Pakistan), Mirwais Ashraf (Afghanistan), Mike Baird (Australia), Faruque Ahmed (Bangladesh), Richard Thompson (England), Jay Shah (India), Brian McNeice (Ireland), Roger Twose (New Zealand), Dr. Mohammed Abdul Samad Moosajee (South Africa), Shammi Silva (Sri Lanka), Dr. Kishore Shallow (West Indies), and Tawengwa Mukuhlani (Zimbabwe). Associate Member Directors include Mubashir Usmani, Mahinda Vallipuram, and Deputy Chairman Imran Khwaja.

Meanwhile, PCB sources claim they have not received any official notification about the upcoming meeting. The board maintains its stance that there are no security issues in Pakistan, emphasizing that if all other teams are willing to come, India should too. PCB has rejected the hybrid model, staying firm in its resolve to host the event entirely within the country.

Moreover, BCCI Secretary Jay Shah is expected to have a phone call with PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi to discuss the uncertainty surrounding the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, according to media reports.

The conversation comes amid ongoing disagreements about the tournament's format and scheduling. Shah is also likely to meet ICC officials during his visit to Dubai, with hopes of resolving the issues.

The delay in releasing the Champions Trophy schedule is reportedly due to the PCB's opposition to the hybrid model and their warning to boycott India's matches if the Indian team refuses to play in Pakistan.

Broadcasters, who were promised high-profile India-Pakistan matches, have raised concerns. They warned of legal action against the ICC if these key matches are excluded from the schedule, as they account for the highest viewership and revenue. Sources believe the schedule could be finalized soon if all parties involved show flexibility. Stakeholders are pushing for a resolution to ensure the tournament takes place with mutual agreement.

The ICC is working to address the issues before Jay Shah takes over as ICC Chairman on December 1.