Champions Trophy 2025: India’s stubbornness and Pakistan’s firm stance increase ICC’s worries

The Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) reluctance and the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) firm stance on hosting the 2025 Champions Trophy have created a complex situation for the International Cricket Council (ICC). With Pakistan’s strong position on hosting the tournament, ICC’s options have become increasingly limited.

The PCB has already rejected the possibility of a hybrid model for the event, posing a challenge for the ICC if it considers moving the tournament out of Pakistan. To relocate the Champions Trophy from Pakistan, the ICC would need to establish clear, substantial reasons for such a decision.

Sources indicated that altering the event for the sake of one team could lead to concerns from other cricket boards. Additionally, one potential option being considered is replacing India with another team, similar to the 2009 T20 World Cup scenario when Scotland replaced Zimbabwe. In that instance, the UK government refused visas to Zimbabwean players, prompting the ICC to resolve the issue through negotiations with Zimbabwe instead of moving the tournament from England.

Sources further revealed that the PCB has requested the ICC to provide the rationale, foundation, and evidence behind India’s refusal to tour Pakistan. Additionally, the PCB has sent a questionnaire to the ICC seeking clarity on India’s stance.

As the situation develops, the ICC faces pressure to find a solution that addresses the concerns of both the BCCI and the PCB while ensuring the Champions Trophy is conducted smoothly.