ICC Ultimatum to PCB for Champions Trophy 2025: Tension is increasing between the International Cricket Council (ICC) and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) regarding the hosting of Champions Trophy 2025. In the ICC Executive Board meeting held in Dubai on Friday, a clear ultimatum was given to the PCB that if it does not accept the ‘hybrid model’, then the tournament will be organized without Pakistan.
Under the ‘Hybrid Model’, it is proposed that Pakistan’s matches be held on its home grounds and India’s matches be held in UAE. However, PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi has rejected it. Naqvi tried to clarify Pakistan’s position in the meeting, but due to India’s security concerns, a consensus could not be reached.
The Indian government has made it clear that the Indian team will not tour Pakistan due to security reasons. The spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs said that this stand of BCCI is completely justified. Most of the ICC members present in the meeting understand Pakistan’s situation, but they said that ‘hybrid model’ is the only solution to this crisis.
An ICC source told news agency PTI, “If India pulls out of the tournament, there will not be a single penny from the broadcast rights. The PCB will have to understand that without India, the importance of the tournament will be greatly reduced.” If PCB does not accept this model, then the tournament can be shifted out of Pakistan.
UAE tops the list of potential host countries. But if this happens, the PCB will lose $6 million in hosting fees and ticket sales revenue. Additionally, its annual revenue could drop by as much as $35 million.
After the ICC meeting, there are also speculations that the PCB may decide not to participate in the Women’s T20 World Cup to be held in India in 2025. However, this step may also prove costly for the PCB.
Now all eyes are on the ICC meeting to be held on Saturday, where a final solution to this dispute is expected. The tournament is scheduled to take place between February 19 and March 9 and considering the busy schedules of all the countries, this is the only window available. That means there is no scope for change in it.
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