New Delhi: ICC has caught in the tussle between India and Pakistan as the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy reaches a stalemate. The BCCI, after not receiving clearance from the Indian government, has informed the International Cricket Council (ICC) that it will not travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy in 2025. https://youtu.be/kh43Jp7ep5E?si=HTI1bbLv7HmA1WoQ The Pakistan Cricket Board, the designated host, is adamant that there will be no hybrid model where India plays its matches at a neutral venue. The PCB has also shot off a letter to the ICC asking the world body to give in writing its and BCCI's stance. https://youtu.be/_CFS5uZCcTw?si=xHBNEnRnT1pwACcQ India and Pakistan have not played any bilateral series since 2012/13 due to the rising political tensions between both countries. Since that time, both sides have not played any bilateral series apart from ICC and the Asian Cricket Council events. Earlier, during the 2023 Asia Cup when Pakistan was the host of the tournament, the Indian team played in a hybrid model with the matches taking place in Sri Lanka. What are the three potential scenarios? With BCCI and PCB reaching a stalemate, ICC is thinking out the following scenarios: The PCB agrees to the hybrid model and five of the 15 games are played in UAE. The Champions Trophy is moved out of Pakistan, in which case the PCB might withdraw from the competition. The Champions Trophy is indefinitely postponed. Each option has serious implications for both the tournament and the PCB's ambitions. The PCB risks facing ICC sanctions, including cuts to substantial ICC funding, if it withdraws. Additionally, moving or postponing the Champions Trophy would mean losing out on potentially USD 65 million as hosting fees, substantial money for the PCB. This loss would rankle further considering that it made serious investments to upgrade infrastructure for the Champions Trophy at the three earmarked venues - Karachi, Rawalpindi, and Lahore.
