With the standoff between India and Pakistan continuing over the Champions Trophy 2025, there will be huge financial losses for the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) if the tournament if either postponed or moved to another country.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has refused to travel to Pakistan for the tournament next year.
With the tournament is approaching, no match schedule has been announced due to uncertainty.
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will be first tournament that Pakistan would be hosting a global ICC event since they co-hosted the ODI World Cup in 1996 and the PCB wants to set an example that Pakistan often targeted for security issues, is safe for big tournaments.
But the tournament has been thrown into turmoil after India’s refusal and the PCB has rejected the concept of a hybrid tournament, in which India would play its matches at neutral location, like the United Arab Emirates.
If the tournament is either postponed or moved to any other country, the PCB riske facing ICC sanctions, including cuts to substantial ICC funding, if it withdraws.
Not just that, the report adds that moving or postponing the Champions Trophy would mean losing out on Potentially USD 65 millions as hosting fees, substantial money for PCB.
The report adds that this loss would further considering that PCB made serious investments to upgrade infrastructure for the Champions Trophy at the three earmarked venues – Karachi, Rawalpindi, and Lahore.
The PCB has asked the ICC to explain India’s refusal to send a team to Pakistan for the tournament.
Pakistan media reported on Tuesday that the PCB would be unwilling to accept security reasons for India’s refusal to visit, since New Zealand have toured Pakistan three times in the past two years; England have visited twice and Australia once in the same period.
Without Pakistan’s particpation, the ICC could face contractual challenges, with broadcasters and sponsors expecting both teams to play in high stakes matches.
Legal disputes with commercial partners, potential revenue drops a decline in ICC’s financial distribution to members are likely consequences.
With the BCCI insisting on a hybrid model, there is a possibility of a change of venue for the mega event.
Meanwhile, ICC has released the promo for the event confirming Pakistan as the hosts. The schedule for the marquee event is yet to be out. It is expected to be released soon. It would be interesting to see if India travel to Pakistan for the mega event or not.
