Tags: Champions Trophy 2025
Posted on: July 22, 2024
Tensions continue to rise between the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), with the BCCI adamant on not sending the Indian cricket team to the Champions Trophy scheduled for February-March next year.
The BCCI, citing political tensions between the two countries, is advocating for the International Cricket Council (ICC) to adopt a hybrid model similar to the one used by the Asian Cricket Council for last year’s Asia Cup.
Former PCB chairman Khalid Mahmood highlighted the BCCI’s considerable influence given its status as the world’s wealthiest cricket board. Mahmood expressed scepticism over India’s chances of playing in Pakistan, suggesting other cricket boards such as Sri Lanka, Afghanistan and Bangladesh could follow India’s lead.
Nevertheless, the PCB has submitted a draft schedule to the ICC that includes India playing all their matches in Lahore, with the key India-Pakistan match to be played on March 1. The Champions Trophy is scheduled to begin in Karachi on February 19 and conclude with the final in Lahore on March 9.
The PCB’s proposal reflects a commitment to holding the event as planned despite ongoing political and logistical challenges.
