The debate surrounding the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy has intensified due to India’s refusal to travel to Pakistan for the event. This situation places the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) in a difficult position, with the potential for significant financial repercussions. Due to diplomatic tensions between India and Pakistan, the questions regarding India’s participation in the tournament were raised since the ICC awarded hosting rights to Pakistan.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) recently informed the PCB of India’s refusal to play in Pakistan and it has also asked the PCB to clarify on the matter of organising the tournament in hybrid mode and has also assured Pakistan that it will still get full hosting fees even if India plays its matches at neutral venue. However, Pakistan doesn’t want to go for hybrid mode and it is thinking of boycotting the tournament if the ICC chooses to go with hybrid mode.
This development has led to reports suggesting that the PCB could face the loss of $65 million in hosting fees and a reduction in ICC funding if it chooses to boycott the tournament in retaliation. The PCB chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, has emphasised that Pakistan will not propose a hybrid hosting model, where matches would be split between Pakistan and a neutral venue unless formally requested by the Indian cricket board (BCCI) through written communication.
The PCB is reportedly evaluating all options, including a potential withdrawal from the Champions Trophy. However, adopting a hybrid model could enable Pakistan to retain hosting rights, receive full hosting fees and host the majority of matches within their territory, as suggested by the reports.
Mohsin Naqvi has called for formal communication from the BCCI, clarifying that while media reports discuss potential hybrid solutions, no official letters or documents have reached the PCB to confirm India’s stance. While speaking to the journalists in Lahore, Naqvi said that they are pretty clear that the BCCI needs to give them in writing if they have any issues but till now they haven’t received any communication.
This situation is further complicated by historical context, as India has not visited Pakistan since the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. The two countries now primarily face each other only in ICC tournaments and other neutral-venue contests, reflecting the tense diplomatic relations.
What do you think, how will the Champions Trophy 2025 be organised?
