Chapter 3 of BCCI vs PCB is around the corner. After lengthy negotiations and intervention from the International Cricket Council (ICC), Asia Cup 2023 is finally set to be played. While there is still a deadlock on World Cup 2023, Pakistan Cricket Board has now refused to sign the hosting agreement with the international body for ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
PCB wants financial guarantees from the ICC if India refuse to send the team to the tournament. Pakistan is the official host for ICT 2025.
However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has been adamant. It has refused to send the team to Pakistan without government approval. As the Indian government is unlikely to allow Rohit Sharma & Co to visit Pakistan, ICC is now in a bog fix.
Also Read: BCCI official BLASTS PCB for delaying World Cup Schedule
ICC Chairman Greg Barclay and CEO Geoff Allardice visited Pakistan last month to have the hosting agreement signed. But PCB has refused to do so without any guarantees.
Either India must guarantee travelling to Pakistan or ICC must compensate PCB for the loss in the absence of IND vs PAK match in the country.
As per an Express Tribune report, PCB has sought lawyers’ advice on signing the document. Apart from that, PCB has also shot a letter to the ICC, raising a few objections. It wants the issues resolved before signing the hosting agreement.
What are PCB’s objections regarding ICC Champions Trophy 2025?
- PCB is concerned that BCCI might once again refuse to send the team and pull out of Champions Trophy.
- BCCI officials have already hinted that they will move the ICC to have the tournament at a neutral venue.
- With Asia Cup 2023 following a hybrid model, BCCI may demand that for ICT.
- India will play their games at a neutral venue while Pakistan get to host other matches.
- PCB is wary of that possibility and has asked ICC about the consequences.
- Pakistan have also made inquiries regarding the financial fallout if India pull out and have asked ICC about financial compensation in case it happens.
The ICC has not yet issued a written response on the matter. However, ICC and PCB officials are in discussions to mitigate the financial fallout. So far, PCB has reached a side agreement but until and unless ICC or BCCI gives them written assurances or compensates them financially, the agreement is on hold.
It must be noted that PCB will receive financial compensation from the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) after India refused to travel. Pakistan will only host four games against other Asian nations. India will play their matches in Sri Lanka with the final also set to be played there.
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