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The International Cricket Council (ICC) faces a significant challenge as India’s refusal to tour Pakistan for the 2025 Champions Trophy has created a deadlock. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)‘s stance has forced the ICC to explore potential solutions, including a hybrid model or relocating the entire tournament.
Najam Sethi, the former chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), recently outlined three possible scenarios, while speaking to Samaa TV.
How ICC can conduct the Champions Trophy 2025?
Hybrid model: This option involves hosting matches in both Pakistan and a neutral venue, potentially India. However, given India’s firm stance, this seems unlikely.
“One, India comes to play, which they will not. They refused for kabaddi, also blind cricket. Earlier, kabaddi teams used to come, similarly tennis players came for Davis Cup before. This time they (India) have taken a hard line, not just on cricket but on other things (sports) as well. So I think there is something serious here. In that case, it could be a hybrid model, with some matches played in Pakistan and India’s matches held elsewhere,” said Sethi.
Relocating the tournament: If Pakistan rejects the hybrid model, the ICC may be forced to move the entire tournament to another country. This could have significant implications for Pakistan’s participation in future ICC events.
“The second option is that if the hybrid model is not acceptable to Pakistan, then the ICC moves the entire tournament to another country. Then, what options will Pakistan have? Either they will say ‘we boycott the Champions Trophy’ or they agree to play at another venue. But after having rejected a hybrid model, will they consider playing in another country? I think that will be a difficult situation for Pakistan…It may turn into a big issue in political circles,” said Sethi. The former PCB boss’s third option was more of an advice for Pakistan to tread with caution instead of making an emotional decision. “If you have rejected a hybrid model after India refused to come and also rejected playing in another country, then you won’t play in the future ICC events also. So you are basically going to push yourself out of the ICC. And if you do that, then what will remain besides bilateral cricket? You don’t make much money in bilateral cricket because it is reciprocal,” the 76-year-old opined.
Also READ: ICC Champions Trophy 2025 to be moved from Pakistan to South Africa?
Boycotting the tournament: While this is a drastic measure, it could have serious consequences for Pakistan’s standing in the cricketing world.
Sethi cautioned against making emotional decisions and urged the PCB to consider the long-term implications of their actions. He emphasized the importance of participating in ICC events to ensure Pakistan’s continued involvement in international cricket.
“Whoever is making these decisions, they should think what is its logic? India knows its logic behind the boycott; they can sustain it. They have done it before…ICC will then be compelled. But what will Pakistan do?…So my advice is that whoever is making the decisions should think wisely and not emotionally,” added Sethi.
Future of Champions Trophy in jeopardy
With the denial of BCCI sending their team to Pakistan, the future of the Champions Trophy is now in jeopardy, and the ICC will have to navigate this complex situation carefully before conducting the tournament.
The Champions Trophy, which is set to make its return to the ICC calendar for the first time since 2017, is currently scheduled to be played in Pakistan from February 19 to March 9 next year.
Also READ: Champions Trophy 2025 – Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan gives special invitation to India amidst venue uncertainty
