Champions Trophy 2025: ‘ICC is now BCCI’, former PCB chief angry after India's refusal to visit Pakistan

The former PCB chairman called for government-level talks between Pakistan and India

PHOTO: FILE

Former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Najam Sethi has criticized the International Cricket Council (ICC) for allegedly yielding to the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) influence, amid ongoing uncertainty regarding the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, scheduled to take place in Pakistan.

Sethi, who previously held the PCB leadership during a tense period when India refused to tour Pakistan, resulting in a hybrid model for the 2023 Asia Cup, argued that Jay Shah’s anticipated ICC chairmanship has amplified the BCCI's sway over the global cricketing body.

"ICC is very weak and will never stand against BCCI because ICC depends on the revenue of BCCI," said Sethi during an interview with a local news channel.

“ICC is not ICC anymore. ICC is now BCCI because Jay Shah is set to become Chairman ICC," he added.

The former PCB chairman called for government-level talks between Pakistan and India, expressing confidence that the Indian team would travel to Pakistan if approved by the Indian government.

“Debate between ICC, PCB and BCCI is useless. The discussion should be held between governments of Indo-Pak. Indian Cricket Team will run towards Pakistan the moment [it is] given permission by Government of India,” Sethi stated.

Sethi added that a direct appeal from Pakistan to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi might encourage India to send its team for the Champions Trophy.

"Incase, Government of Pakistan contacts Narendra Modi then there is possibility that the latter would allow the Indian Cricket Team to visit Pakistan for Champions Trophy,” he concluded.

With the 2025 Champions Trophy in jeopardy due to India’s hesitance, the PCB reportedly sent a letter to the ICC requesting clarity on critical issues. According to sources, the PCB asked the ICC for the precise timing and reasons behind the BCCI's decision to refrain from sending its team to Pakistan, along with a copy of any formal communication detailing BCCI’s objections.