The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has firmly declared its intention to host the Champions Trophy 2025 exclusively within Pakistan, rejecting any suggestions of a hybrid model. This stance comes amidst reports that the PCB has threatened to withdraw from the 2026 T20 World Cup co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka if the Indian team refuses to participate in the Champions Trophy in Pakistan.
The PCB’s position will be vigorously defended at the upcoming ICC annual conference in Colombo, where they aim to block any proposals for a hybrid tournament format.
The PCB’s resolve is a direct response to reports from Indian media suggesting that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is hesitant to send its team to Pakistan due to political tensions and security concerns. India has refrained from touring Pakistan since the 2008 Asia Cup, complicating bilateral cricketing relations between the two nations.
PCB Asserts Exclusive Host Rights for Champions Trophy 2025 Amid ICC Conference Dynamics
In response to potential Indian reluctance, the BCCI has hinted at proposing a hybrid model to the ICC, which would allow Indian matches to be played in neutral venues. This proposal reflects ongoing efforts to navigate the delicate balance between sporting commitments and geopolitical realities.
Historically, cricketing engagements between India and Pakistan have been fraught with challenges following the 2008 Mumbai attacks, leading to a suspension of bilateral series. Since then, encounters between the two sides have been limited to ICC tournaments or Asia Cup events held in neutral territories.
An earlier instance of such a standoff occurred during the Asia Cup 2023, where the BCCI’s refusal to travel to Pakistan resulted in a hybrid model being adopted, albeit at the cost of Pakistan losing the rights to host the semi-final and final matches. This experience has strengthened the PCB’s determination to ensure that the Champions Trophy 2025 remains entirely hosted within Pakistan.
As the ICC prepares for its annual conference, it faces the difficult task of mediating between the cricketing ambitions of both India and Pakistan while upholding the integrity of international competitions. The discussions in Colombo are anticipated to be pivotal, with the PCB anticipated to vehemently oppose any compromises on hosting the prestigious tournament solely in Pakistan.
