The drama around the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy hosting rights continues to unfold, but the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is making one thing crystal clear: they haven’t backed down.
After weeks of speculation, rumors surfaced claiming that the PCB had “surrendered” in the ongoing tug-of-war with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). However, PCB officials are putting those claims to rest.
What’s the Fuss All About?
The Champions Trophy, scheduled for February-March 2025, was awarded to Pakistan as the host. But the BCCI’s refusal to send the Indian team to Pakistan, citing government restrictions, has thrown a wrench into the plans.
To navigate this standoff, a “partnership formula” is now on the table. According to this proposal, both Pakistan and India would play their matches at neutral venues—likely in Dubai—whenever ICC events are hosted in each other’s countries over the next three years.
Read More: Champions Trophy: Will PCB’s ‘Partnership Formula’ Solve Pakistan-India Deadlock?
Despite whispers of a compromise, sources close to the PCB have dismissed any notion of surrender. If anything, the fact that the BCCI and ICC are still deliberating over the proposal shows that the PCB’s stance has weight.
In their defense, PCB officials pointed out that if they had caved, there wouldn’t be a need for delays or further discussions. Clearly, the ICC and BCCI are taking their time to consider the consequences of rejecting Pakistan’s terms.
What’s at Stake?
Here’s where it gets even more interesting. If the partnership model is approved, it won’t just affect the Champions Trophy. It would also set a precedent for future ICC tournaments.
India is scheduled to host three major events in the next few years, including:
- Women’s World Cup 2025
- T20 World Cup 2026 (co-hosted with Sri Lanka)
- Champions Trophy 2027
Under this model, Pakistan wouldn’t travel to India for any of these tournaments, with Dubai serving as the neutral venue for their matches.
The ICC seems to favor this formula as a way to avoid legal battles with Pakistan. If both boards agree, the matter could be settled without the need for a formal vote among ICC members.
For now, the PCB is holding its ground, and rightly so. This isn’t just about hosting rights; it’s about asserting Pakistan’s place on the international cricket stage.
The ball is now in the ICC and BCCI’s court. While no final decision has been made, the PCB’s firm stance has undoubtedly added pressure. If the partnership model is accepted, it could mark a new chapter in how ICC events are handled between these two cricketing giants.
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