The debate on final venue of ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is still continuing with no clear word as India has already refused to go to Pakistan for this lucrative event. Both the PCB and BCCI now take pole positions and the future of this tournament hangs in a balance as the both are sticking to their stance.
India Likely To Approach ICC
Recent report by Times Now have highlighted India will mention about the “security concerns” and outline all the “terror activities” due to which they have refused to travel for the tournament in Pakistan due to security reasons. However, claims were shelved when PCB sources rubbed the idea of hybrid model out, making clear that the hybrid model is not something the board could entertain.
Other Nations’ Participation Won’t Influence India’s Decision
India, however, is preparing to respond in detail to the ICC with its complaints. In their letter, BCCI would explain the security and terror threats that Pakistan poses by continuing with its activities on the other side. India might raise instances of regular blasts taking place in Pakistan and how it isn’t safe to take the Indian team there. The BCCI will further stress that the willingness of other countries to travel to Pakistan cannot be a reason for India’s participation in the event.
PCB Says BIG NO To Hybrid Model
The PCB appears very rigid on its stand as it is sticking to its stance that it shall not budge from its stance of the hybrid model and will stick strictly to its desire of hosting the event fully in Pakistan, with growing uncertainty on their side. Acceptance by the PCB of the hybrid model would translate to a loss of 20-30% of total revenue generated from an event. Though they would get hosting fees, there would be higher financial implications of such acceptance.
If Pakistan refuses to accept the hybrid model and sticks with its stance, it would lose hosting rights fully, thereby making the shifting of the tournament to the UAE very probable. Loss of hosting rights would come with very serious financial implications since broadcasting rights are supposed to be one of the major revenue streams. The broadcasters are also interested in hosting the event in a region within the same time zone to reap the optimum viewership benefits.
UAE A Potential Venue To Host The Event?
If Pakistan pulls out then UAE will be the alternative venue, because of its centrality and existing infrastructure, it has been pretty much the favorite backup venue for cricket tournaments for some time now. So the declaration about the venue will probably come after great discussion among all stakeholders concerned, including the ICC, BCCI, PCB, and broadcasters.
Champions Trophy All Set To Kick Off Next Year
The Champions Trophy 2025 is likely to begin on February 19, 2025. The tournament is for eight of the world’s top cricketing nations, and thus its stakes are precariously high, and hence the current stalemate needs to be sorted out in coming weeks.
India Takes Another Important Decision
In a significant development, just days after the Indian government rejected the BCCI’s request for approval to travel to Pakistan for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy, it has now also denied the Kabaddi Federation of India’s plea to participate in a series of friendly matches in Pakistan. This decision further underscores India’s firm position on avoiding any sports engagements on Pakistani soil. The last instance of the Indian cricket team visiting Pakistan was in 2008 for the Asia Cup.
