There is a three-way face-off between the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the International Cricket Council (ICC) over the Champions Trophy 2025.
Pakistan are the official hosts of the ICC Champions Trophy and preparations are in full swing in the country despite all the security issues. India travelling to Pakistan for the ICC event was never on the cards, but it is the ICC, whose future course of action is under the scanner.
The BCCI had officially written to ICC about their reluctancy to play in Pakistan. The ICC without wasting any team notified the PCB about the same. The ICC had also proposed a hybrid model for the tournament, but the PCB denied it straightaway. There is complete radio silence over the ICC’s stand with the tournament just three months away. The Pakistan government has asked for a written explanation from the BCCI listing out their reasons for not travelling to Pakistan.
Sri Lanka To Benefit Out Of ICC, BCCI And The PCB’s Face-Off
India pulling out of the Champions Trophy will create a huge financial turmoil for the the ICC and the PCB. India is the biggest attraction in any ICC event and the apex global cricketing body might not risk of conducting such a big event without the ‘Men in Blue’ playing. But, if situation demands, India and Pakistan both stand their ground firmly and the ICC goes ahead with the Champions Trophy, then it will be a win win situation for Sri Lanka.
The format of the ICC Champions Trophy is such that only top eight teams get to play in the tournament. India are already reluctant to play the Champions Trophy in Pakistan. If India pull out of the Champions Trophy, Sri Lanka get a direct entry to the event. The champions of 2002 missed the cut by a whisker as they ended on the ninth spot of the ODI World Cup hosted by India in 2023. Sri Lanka replace Rohit Sharma ‘s men if India chose not to participate in the marquee tournament
ICC In Dilemma Over Champions Trophy 2025 Controversy
The ICC finds itself in hot waters after India’s refusal and Pakistan’s firm stance on Champions Trophy. An official schedule was expected to be announced on November 11, 2024 but that hasn’t happened due to obvious reasons. The BCCI had reportedly suggested the ICC that India play their matches in the UAE, but the PCB has strongly opposed this idea. Several reports emerged that South Africa and India expressed their interests of hosting the Champions Trophy, but there is no official word on it yet.
Source: Republic
--Agencies
