ICC Champions Trophy 2025: International Cricket Council set to ban Pakistan if...

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is facing a crucial challenge as it prepares for a virtual board meeting on Friday, November 29, to finalize the schedule for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

The future of the tournament is in jeopardy, thanks to India and Pakistan’s political tussle. Pakistan's unwavering refusal to adopt the proposed ‘Hybrid’ model for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 after India’s refusal to cross the border for the tournament has further complicated things for the ICC.

Pakistan's stance on ICC Champions Trophy 2025 should trigger a financial crisis

And the governing body is ready for every move to finalize the schedule after this meeting. Ahead of the online meeting, it is being said that a potential Pakistani boycott of the Champions Trophy 2025 would have far-reaching consequences for both the tournament and the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) finances.

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The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is strongly against any neutral venue solutions for India’s refusal to travel to Pakistan for next year’s prestigious tournament. According to the reports, the ICC board members suggest the hybrid model for the league stage in the UAE and the knockout rounds in Pakistan, but it has been rejected by the PCB.

Now, the ICC's primary goal is to convince Pakistan to accept the hybrid model, at least for the league phase. However, if India advances into the final round of the Champions Trophy 2025, then the knockout matches involving India may have to be moved to the UAE as well.

PCB to face strong consequences if they boycott

Now, an ICC source close to the development revealed the possible consequences if the Pakistan board refuses to cooperate with the BCCI and the other board member nations. It is being said that if PCB boycotts the Champions Trophy 2025, then Pakistan cricket would face far-reaching consequences, and they are already in a poor state.

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With India slated to host multiple major cricket events in the coming years, Pakistan will also have to boycott tournaments to be held in India, and it will leave a significant dent in PCB finances. However, it seems highly unlikely that they will consider boycotting the 50-over mega event next year.

Hybrid format is the best option for CT 2025: ICC

An ICC source was quoted as saying by PTI: “It's a very unlikely scenario. It can have very far-reaching consequences for Pakistan cricket (if they boycott), which is not at its best in terms of financial health. India is set to host a few tournaments in the next couple of years. If Pakistan decides to boycott the Champions Trophy, then they will also have to boycott tournaments to be held in India, which in turn can bring a lot of financial liabilities to PCB.”

The source further added, “At this point, the hybrid format is the best option. We hope that all the parties involved will take a wise call for the sake of the tournament. It's not good for the tournament to have it without India and Pakistan.”