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The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has taken a strong stance on hosting the 2025 Champions Trophy entirely within Pakistan, firmly rejecting any hybrid model proposals. The PCB's position has escalated to a high-stakes threat: if the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) refuses to send the Indian team to Pakistan for the tournament, the PCB may withdraw from the 2026 T20 World Cup, which is scheduled to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has taken a strong stance on hosting the 2025 Champions Trophy entirely within Pakistan, firmly rejecting any hybrid model proposals. The PCB’s position has escalated to a high-stakes threat: if the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) refuses to send the Indian team to Pakistan for the tournament, the PCB may withdraw from the 2026 T20 World Cup, which is scheduled to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
According to a Geo News report, the PCB remains resolute in its plan to host the entire Champions Trophy within its borders and will actively oppose any hybrid model at the upcoming ICC Annual Conference in Colombo, set for July 19-22. This stance is a direct response to the BCCI’s hesitance to travel to Pakistan, a situation complicated by ongoing political tensions and security concerns that have marred India-Pakistan cricket relations.
The BCCI has hinted at the possibility of requesting a hybrid model, where matches involving the Indian team could be played in a neutral country. This approach is reminiscent of the resolution made during the Asia Cup 2023, where the BCCI’s refusal to travel to Pakistan led to a hybrid format, resulting in Pakistan losing the rights to host the semi-finals and finals. The PCB’s firm stance reflects its determination to avoid a repeat of this situation, underscoring its commitment to holding the Champions Trophy exclusively in Pakistan.
The cricketing rivalry between India and Pakistan has been fraught with challenges since the 2008 Mumbai attacks, which led to the suspension of bilateral series. The last bilateral series took place in 2008, with India’s most recent tour of Pakistan being for the Asia Cup. Since then, the teams have only faced each other in ICC events or neutral venues.
The ICC faces a complex dilemma as it attempts to mediate between the interests of the two cricketing powerhouses while preserving the integrity of international tournaments. The forthcoming ICC Annual Conference will be pivotal in addressing these issues, with the PCB poised to strongly oppose any hybrid arrangement for the 2025 Champions Trophy.
In summary, the PCB’s assertive position on hosting the 2025 Champions Trophy entirely within Pakistan and its threat to withdraw from the 2026 T20 World Cup if India does not comply has set the stage for a high-stakes negotiation, with significant implications for the future of international cricket.
