The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has called on the International Cricket Council (ICC) to clarify India’s decision not to send its team to Pakistan for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. On November 12, the ICC informed the PCB of India’s refusal, throwing the event’s future into doubt. Pakistan had already rejected a proposed hybrid model, which would have allowed India to play their matches at neutral venues like the UAE.
Sami-Ul-Hasan, PCB’s spokesperson, confirmed that the board sought an explanation from the ICC regarding the Indian Board’s decision. This refusal comes amid ongoing political tensions between the two countries, which have not played a bilateral series for over a decade, only facing each other in ICC tournaments.
The Champions Trophy, originally scheduled to be held across Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Karachi from February 19 to March 9, 2025, has been delayed, with the PCB chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, expressing his disappointment. He emphasized that many countries were eager for the event to take place in Pakistan, but the refusal from India has jeopardized the tournament’s future.
In response to the uncertainty, Naqvi warned that Pakistan might reconsider its participation in events hosted in India if the situation is not resolved. The hybrid model suggested by the ICC would have seen most matches held in Pakistan, with India’s games—along with possibly the final—moved to Dubai to address security concerns. However, the PCB has firmly stated that it is unwilling to compromise on hosting rights.
The final schedule for the tournament, initially expected to be announced soon, has been postponed as discussions continue. If a consensus on the hybrid model cannot be reached, the Champions Trophy may be relocated entirely to South Africa.
To Read More: Sports