The ICC has issued a warning to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), urging it to accept the hybrid hosting model for the 2025 Champions Trophy or risk losing its hosting rights. This conflict arises from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)’s refusal to send its team to Pakistan due to security concerns. Despite numerous negotiations, the PCB has remained steadfast in rejecting the BCCI’s demands, creating a standoff that the ICC has struggled to resolve.Ex-Pakistan cricketer calls ICC’s Champions Trophy ultimatum to PCB an attempt to “loot.”
During an emergency meeting on Friday, the ICC conveyed that adopting the hybrid model, which would see India’s Champions Trophy matches played in the UAE, was the only viable solution. However, the PCB has yet to agree, risking exclusion from the event.
Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali criticized both the ICC and BCCI, accusing them of attempting to unjustly strip Pakistan of its hosting rights. Basit argued that a Champions Trophy without India and Pakistan would be unviable, as broadcasters would not invest in an event missing the two major cricketing nations. “No broadcaster will pay for an ICC event without India, and Pakistan knows that too,” an ICC source revealed anonymously.Ex-Pakistan cricketer calls ICC’s Champions Trophy ultimatum to PCB an attempt to “loot.”
Basit, speaking on his YouTube channel, expressed frustration over the ongoing controversy, stating, “This is not fair. They are trying to rob us of the Champions Trophy hosting rights.” He also highlighted how the situation has garnered national unity within Pakistan, with even critics of the PCB rallying behind the board’s stance.
Although ICC board members acknowledged Pakistan’s concerns during the meeting, they reiterated that the hybrid model remains the most realistic option to resolve the issue. PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi has been advised to agree to the proposal as a means of breaking the deadlock.Ex-Pakistan cricketer calls ICC’s Champions Trophy ultimatum to PCB an attempt to “loot.”
The situation underscores the geopolitical challenges that frequently impact international cricket. If the hybrid model is implemented, it would mark a compromise allowing India and Pakistan to participate while addressing security concerns. However, until an agreement is reached, the Champions Trophy’s hosting future remains uncertain, with both the PCB and ICC under pressure to find a solution.
