The International Cricket Council (ICC) has given Pakistan the hosting rights for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The tournament is slated to take place in the months of February and March of the year. However, the official details and agreements have yet to be finalised. With the rights being awarded to Pakistan, it is likely that Indian Cricket Team will play their games at a neutral venue amid security concerns from BCCI and India Government.
According to Cricket Pakistan, discussions on this topic took place at recent ICC meetings in India. PCB officials are upbeat about the agreement’s impending signature. However, Pakistan’s position on the issue remains unambiguous.
They conveyed that if a country uses security concerns to avoid sending a team, the ICC should avoid making unilateral judgements. Instead, a full examination should be carried out in collaboration with an impartial security agency.
Except for India, all teams have lately played in Pakistan without any concerns of security and safety. As a result, the plan is for all matches to be played in Pakistan.
An exception may be allowed if a real security issue is raised and substantiated by an impartial security agency. According to sources, given the current situation, the Indian government is unlikely to enable the BCCI to send an Indian squad to Pakistan.
The PCB recognises the political character of this problem and anticipates a settlement at the government level. If India decides not to send a team, various measures including as shifting India’s matches to neutral locations. Thus assuring full financial compensation through ICC consultation is being considered.
The former PCB management committee filed complaints based on ICC papers and sought legal counsel. Despite the fact that ICC Chairman Greg Barclay and CEO Geoff Allardice visited Pakistan in May, there was no resolution to this issue. The present government needs certainty, with contracts likely inked next month pending the settlement of financial and other issues.
Notably, PCB organised the 2023 Asia Cup in Sri Lanka using a hybrid approach, With only four matches taking place in the nation. If the Indian squad opts out, a similar strategy may be used for the Champions Trophy, but at a huge cost rise.
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