The hosting arrangements for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy remain in deadlock, with India refusing to participate in Pakistan, while the hosts have firmly asserted their unwillingness to compromise by sharing hosting rights with another country.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) is actively working to resolve the issue, with three potential solutions currently under consideration, each carrying notable ramifications for both the ICC and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). Here is a breakdown of each scenario:
Convince Pakistan to Accept Hybrid Model
Under this proposal, Pakistan would host the majority of matches, while India’s fixtures, including critical knockout rounds, would be staged in the UAE. While this arrangement enables the PCB to retain partial hosting rights, it faces resistance from Pakistan’s government, which views the compromise as a capitulation. Additionally, adopting a hybrid model could set a challenging precedent for future ICC tournaments amid geopolitical tensions.
Relocate Champions Trophy 25 to Another Country
This alternative would relocate the entire tournament to a neutral venue, most likely the UAE. However, the PCB has signaled the possibility of withdrawing from the competition if Pakistan is stripped of its hosting rights entirely. Such a move would also affect the PCB’s financial earnings and reputation, while the ICC would encounter logistical challenges in coordinating the event at a new location. Pakistan may suffer a loss of $100 million if they withdraw from the mega event.
Postpone the Tournament
The third scenario involves deferring the Champions Trophy until a mutually agreeable solution is found. Although this approach offers a reprieve, it introduces ambiguity for stakeholders, advertisers, and supporters. Furthermore, the postponement could disrupt the ICC’s event calendar and result in potential financial setbacks. For the PCB, delaying the tournament means prospective hosting income remains in limbo, leaving the event’s fate unresolved.
Jasir Basharat is a cricket enthusiast capturing the heart of the game through insightful analysis and storytelling sharing his passion for the sport through engaging narratives. He is a business graduate from University of Kashmir.
