As cricket enthusiasts look ahead to the T20 World Cup in 2024 and beyond, concerns loom over Pakistan hosting the Champions Trophy in 2025. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has urged the International Cricket Council (ICC) to formalize a hosting rights agreement, emphasizing the need for clarity regarding India’s potential refusal to play in Pakistan due to political and security reasons.
PCB Chairman Zaka Ashraf and COO Salman Naseer recently engaged with the ICC Executive Board in Ahmedabad to discuss the Champions Trophy slated for February-March 2025. The discussions highlighted the possibility of India opting out of playing in Pakistan, a scenario reminiscent of their absence in the Asia Cup earlier this year.
PCB officials emphasized that, if India chooses not to play in Pakistan, the ICC should appoint an independent security agency to assess the situation. The agency, in collaboration with the Pakistan government and security officials, would evaluate the safety of participating teams, including India.
Notably, the PCB underscored that several top teams have successfully toured Pakistan in recent years without any security issues. The board is firm in its stance that the ICC must compensate Pakistan if India declines to participate and relocates its matches to another country.
In the backdrop of strained relations between the governments of Pakistan and India, concerns arise regarding India’s potential withdrawal due to security and political reasons. The PCB officials remain resolute, stating that Pakistan will not relinquish its hosting rights.
During the ICC meeting, the BCCI representative emphasized that decisions about India playing in Pakistan in 2025 would be solely determined by their government. The PCB, however, remains committed to upholding its hosting rights for the Champions Trophy.
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