The ICC Champions Trophy is less than three months away. But the governing body of world cricket, ICC, has not yet reached a consensus on this arrangement. Although Pakistan is the host of the 2025 Champions Trophy, India has refused to participate there. The fate of this tournament of ODI format hangs on that. The ICC is also in trouble due to the strong positions of India and Pakistan on their respective sides.
However, the annual meeting of the ICC will be held tomorrow Friday (29 November). The fate of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy will be decided there.
The meeting will discuss three options to decide the fate of the Champions Trophy—
First option:
Hybrid model, where all matches will be played by Pakistan. Only India’s matches will be played outside Pakistan.
Second option:
The entire tournament will be held outside Pakistan. But as usual it will be hosted by Pakistan.
Third option:
Except for India, the entire tournament will be held in Pakistan.
But the third of these three is not possible. Because, to do that, the ICC will incur a huge financial loss. There will be a negative impact on the financial and commercial aspects of ICC.
But as time goes on, the possibility of the first option is increasing. Pakistan Cricket Board President Mohsin Naqvi is also being a bit flexible in that direction. But he expects the ICC must make a respectable offer to the PCB if it wants to do the hybrid model. Where Pakistan will benefit, “Whatever we do, we will do it to ensure that Pakistan’s interests are protected.” So that Pakistan will benefit.”
However, he also said that they will inform the government of their country about the decision taken at the ICC meeting. Then they will do whatever the government decides.
Apart from this, Naqvi has also threatened that if they have to go to the hybrid model this time because India is not coming to play in Pakistan, then they will not go to India in future. In that case, they will not go to India to participate in 2025 Women’s World Cup, 2025 Asia Cup, 2026 T20 World Cup and 2029 Champions Trophy.
Naqvi said that if the ICC proposes a hybrid model for any tournament hosted by Pakistan, it must do the same for the tournament hosted by India. No.”
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What are the main challenges facing the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy due to India’s participation concerns?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Cricket Expert
Editor: Welcome to Time.news, where we bring you the latest insights from the world of sports. Today, we have an expert in cricket governance and international tournaments, Dr. Anjali Mehta, who will help us unpack the uncertainties surrounding the upcoming 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Mehta.
Dr. Mehta: Thank you for having me! It’s great to be here to discuss such an important event in the cricketing calendar.
Editor: The ICC Champions Trophy is just around the corner, yet we’re hearing conflicting reports regarding its location and participation, particularly from India. Can you shed some light on the current situation?
Dr. Mehta: Absolutely. The ICC is currently facing a significant dilemma. While Pakistan is set to host the Champions Trophy in 2025, India’s refusal to play there has thrown the tournament’s viability into question. This situation is compounded by the long-standing cricketing and political tensions between the two nations.
Editor: We’ve learned that an ICC annual meeting is scheduled for November 29 to discuss the tournament options. What are the potential paths being considered, and which do you think is the most viable?
Dr. Mehta: The ICC is exploring three options. The first is a hybrid model where all matches are played in Pakistan, except for those involving India, which would take place in a neutral location. The second option is to move the entire tournament outside Pakistan while still listing Pakistan as the host. the third, which is to hold the tournament in Pakistan with the exception of India, seems practically unfeasible due to the financial burdens it would impose on the ICC.
Given the growing indications that the hybrid model is gaining traction, it seems like the most practical solution right now.
Editor: The hybrid model sounds intriguing, especially with the PCB’s president, Mohsin Naqvi, expressing some flexibility. What could make this option more palatable for both sides?
Dr. Mehta: Well, for the hybrid model to work, the ICC will need to present a proposal that not only satisfies India’s concerns but also ensures that Pakistan’s interests are safeguarded. Naqvi has hinted that whatever decision is made, it must benefit Pakistan. This could involve financial guarantees, logistical support, or even a commitment to develop cricket infrastructure in Pakistan as part of the deal.
Editor: You mentioned the financial implications of the options. Could you elaborate on why the third option is seen as a significant risk?
Dr. Mehta: Certainly. If the tournament were to proceed in Pakistan excluding India, it would likely lead to a drastic reduction in viewership and sponsorship. India represents a huge market for cricket, and their absence would diminish the tournament’s commercial viability. The ICC would potentially face losses that could impact future events and the broader financial ecosystem of international cricket.
Editor: It sounds like there’s a lot at stake, not just for the tournament but for the ICC’s future operations. What do you think the lasting effects could be if an agreement isn’t reached?
Dr. Mehta: If an agreement isn’t reached, we could see increased fragmentation within cricket governance and potentially a shift in how international cricket is organized. This could lead to fewer collaborative events and a rise in bilateral series that cater to the interests of specific nations, thus hindering the spirit of global competition that the ICC aims to promote.
Editor: You’ve painted quite a comprehensive picture, Dr. Mehta. Any final thoughts on what we should watch for in the upcoming ICC meeting?
Dr. Mehta: Keep an eye on the tone and openness of the discussions. If both parties show a willingness to compromise, that could bode well for the future of the tournament. However, if rigid stances persist, we may face a challenging scenario ahead. It’s a crucial moment for cricket, and the decisions made could influence the landscape for years to come.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Mehta, for your insights. We look forward to seeing how this situation unfolds.
Dr. Mehta: Thank you for having me. It’s certainly an exciting time for cricket!