The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has delayed signing the hosting contract for the 2025 Champions Trophy tournament sent to it by the International Cricket Council (ICC) some time ago, citing some concerns with one involving the Indian team.
Pakistan has been awarded the hosting rights for the Champions Trophy 2025, with the tournament scheduled to take place in February and March 2025. However, the PCB sent a letter to the ICC outlining a few objections that needed to be addressed before signing the agreement.
This time, the PCB made the decision to proceed cautiously and obtained legal counsel from renowned solicitors. The PCB then wrote to the ICC stating a few concerns that needed to be resolved before the agreement could be signed.
Sources claim that the aforementioned arrangement was the main driver for the recent trip to Pakistan by ICC Chairman Greg Barclay and CEO Geoff Allardice.
The PCB emphasized its financial independence during the visit by noting its capacity to make large profits from endeavors like the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and other events. The PCB was clear that they did not rely only on ICC funding.
Pakistan Concerned With Indian Team Not Participating In Champions Trophy 2025, Wants To Know Consequences
One of the most major concerns is with the Indian team not coming to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy 2025, citing government clearance issues. They have mentioned that BCCI stated the same when they refused to come to Pakistan for the Asia Cup 2023 recently.
The Asian Cricket Council (ACC), after much delay, accepted PCB’s hybrid model, in which the Indian team will now play its matches in Sri Lanka, while Pakistan hosts 4 matches against other member teams.
According to sources, Pakistan is truly worried that the Indian team would not take part in the ICC competition. The council was questioned regarding the potential repercussions in response to this worry. In particular, questions were asked about the effect on revenue streams and how the resulting losses would be made up.
The ICC has not issued a written response thus far and discussions are taking place to address the matter.