Champions Trophy 2025: Will Pakistan lose hosting rights? If PCB remains adamant on its insistence then ICC can give ultimatum

pc: news24online

Jay Shah has taken over as the new ICC Chairman and faces immediate challenges, the biggest of which is the 2025 Champions Trophy. There is a very controversial debate going on between BCCI and PCB regarding the venue of this event. While the PCB is insisting on making Pakistan the host, the BCCI has also said that the Indian team should not be sent to Pakistan due to security concerns. Now, this has increased further after the opposition to the “hybrid model” suggested by Pakistan.

ICC virtual meeting on December 5: What will be Jay Shah's view?

According to a report in Cricbuzz, Jay Shah has called for a virtual ICC board meeting on December 5; However, the actual agenda that will be discussed in this meeting has not been released yet. It remains unclear whether there will still be any discussions about a resolution on the Champions Trophy, although tensions still remain high over the rivalry between India and Pakistan.

Will Pakistan lose its hosting rights?

“Look, no broadcaster will give a single penny to an ICC event that does not involve India and even Pakistan knows this,” an ICC board source told PTI on condition of anonymity on Saturday. The ICC meeting will be held only if Mr. Mohsin Naqvi agrees to the 'hybrid model'.”

“If that doesn't happen, the ICC board may have to shift the tournament entirely to another country (could be UAE), but it will be held without Pakistan,” he said.

Debate on hybrid model: Pakistan at crossroads

The ICC has said that Pakistan will either have to accept hosting the Champions Trophy 2025 under the 'hybrid' model or face exit from the tournament, PTI reported. This follows an inconclusive executive board meeting on November 29, where Pakistan refused to accept the model despite India's concerns over security. The hybrid model has been seen as a viable model, where matches played between India and Pakistan are scheduled in the UAE so that the tournament can go ahead despite political and security hurdles.

What is the future of Champions Trophy 2025?

All eyes will be on the December 5 meeting as the ICC Board tries to resolve the issue. The Champions Trophy is approaching and solving the hosting dilemma will be crucial to the success of the tournament. How Jay Shah resolves this controversy will determine the direction of his leadership at the ICC as well as the future of international cricket tournaments.