BCCI accused of undermining Champions Trophy in Pakistan with financial offers

The Indian Cricket Board (BCCI) is reportedly making covert moves to derail the ICC Champions Trophy scheduled to be hosted in Pakistan. Sources suggest the BCCI is attempting to sway participating nations with lucrative financial offers to oppose the tournament’s current hosting arrangements.

With just two days left before the November 19 deadline to announce the schedule, the ICC faces mounting pressure. Failure to finalize the schedule on time could breach agreements with commercial broadcasters, escalating the stakes for both the ICC and BCCI.

Reports indicate that, while citing security concerns as a public reason for opposing matches in Pakistan, the BCCI is privately working to convince other cricket boards to support either a hybrid model or the relocation of the tournament to India. It is alleged that the BCCI is offering boards a share of its ICC revenues and additional financial incentives, including millions of dollars in profits and promises of extra matches with the Indian team in future bilateral series.  

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has firmly rejected the hybrid model, reiterating its stance that all matches should be held in Pakistan. PCB officials have communicated to the ICC and the BCCI that if India refuses to play in Pakistan, a higher-ranked replacement team should be included, and the tournament schedule should proceed as planned. The PCB has categorically ruled out the possibility of relocating the tournament to another country.  

Experts have highlighted the inconsistency in the BCCI’s position. They noted that India supported Pakistan’s bid to host the Champions Trophy in 2021 under Rameez Raja’s PCB leadership, and no objections were raised until recently. The sudden opposition has raised questions about the motives behind these moves.  

Meanwhile, ICC officials are reportedly in continuous discussions with all member boards, including the BCCI, to resolve the issue. The ICC has emphasized that any final schedule will be agreed upon in consultation with all participating teams and board members, not solely influenced by the Indian Cricket Board.