The 2025 Champions Trophy, a marquee event in the cricketing calendar, has become the center of a heated debate involving the International Cricket Council (ICC), the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). The dispute over hosting rights and venue allocation has sparked intense discussions and revealed the complex interplay of sports, politics, and diplomacy.
ICC’s Efforts to Resolve the Dispute
The ICC has stepped in to mediate, suggesting a hybrid model as a compromise. This model proposes India’s matches be held in the UAE, while Pakistan hosts the rest of the tournament. Reports suggest the ICC is offering PCB additional financial incentives to accept the hybrid model, including revenue-sharing arrangements for matches held in the UAE.
“With the PCB not willing to budge on hosting the event under a hybrid model, they are now being offered additional financial incentives to end the deadlock,” an insider said as per PTI.
“Chances are (that) by tomorrow (Tuesday), a clear picture will emerge after a virtual discussion by board representatives on under which format the Champions Trophy would eventually be held early next year,” he added.
The PCB has firmly opposed the hybrid model, asserting that Pakistan should host all matches, including marquee clashes like the India-Pakistan game and the final. The PCB insists on Lahore hosting high-profile matches, emphasizing their ability to organize world-class events.
“The PCB so far has resisted all such moves, insisting (that) if India is not willing to play in Pakistan it is their problem as all the (other) six other participating nations have no issues (with) playing in Pakistan,” he said.
“The PCB is also insisting that even if it agrees to a hybrid model, the Pakistan and India group (stage) match and the final should be held in Lahore,” another insider said.
“Obviously, the Indian cricket board is not agreeable to this and is insisting (that) India should play all its matches in Dubai, including the one against Pakistan, the semi-final and the final if they qualify for it,” he added.
India’s Stance on the Hybrid Model
Citing security concerns and strained political relations, the BCCI has made it clear they will not travel to Pakistan, a stance consistent with their approach in recent tournaments. The BCCI prefers Dubai as the venue for India’s matches, arguing that it ensures neutrality and better logistics for Indian players and fans.
The ongoing dispute threatens the ICC’s reputation as a neutral arbiter, with both boards leveraging their influence. Continued disagreements could push back the announcement of the final schedule, affecting preparations for all participating teams.
The venue controversy underscores the longstanding tension between India and Pakistan, where sports often become a proxy for political struggles. Efforts to resolve the issue reflect the delicate balance between national interests and the global appeal of cricket.
The PCB is sparing no effort in readying its venues, ensuring top-notch facilities for players and fans. Despite challenges, the PCB remains determined to host the Champions Trophy on home soil.
“As far as we are concerned, all the preparations for the tournament, including the construction work at the three stadiums in Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi is continuing on schedule,” a PCB official said.
If the PCB agrees to the hybrid model, matches involving India will shift to the UAE, while the rest of the tournament stays in Pakistan. A failure to reach consensus could lead to the entire tournament being moved to a neutral location, such as the UAE.
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