Dubai — The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has rejected the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) proposal of a “partnership formula” for the next three years, further stalling discussions over the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, sources revealed on Thursday.
The “partnership formula,” proposed by the PCB, aimed to ensure parity in hosting ICC events. Under the arrangement, Pakistan suggested that if India played its Champions Trophy matches at neutral venues due to political tensions, Pakistan would reciprocate during ICC events hosted in India in the future.
Initially, the PCB sought to apply this formula until the conclusion of the ICC’s Future Tours Programme in 2031 but later reduced the timeline to three years. The BCCI, however, turned down the revised proposal.
Hybrid Model Agreed, But Conditions Unsettled
Earlier this week, both boards reportedly agreed on a hybrid model allowing India to play its Champions Trophy matches at neutral venues while the rest of the tournament would proceed in Pakistan. However, the PCB’s condition for reciprocal treatment led to a stalemate.
With no resolution, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who was in Dubai for an ICC board meeting, decided to postpone the session. The meeting’s delay adds to the uncertainty surrounding the Champions Trophy, scheduled to take place in Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi from February 19 to March 9, 2025.
Rising Political Tensions Impact Cricket
Political tensions between India and Pakistan have long prevented bilateral cricket ties, with the two nations last playing a series in 2012. While they continue to meet in ICC and Asia Cup tournaments, the Indian government’s refusal to permit the national team to travel to Pakistan has remained a roadblock.
India hosted Pakistan during the ICC World Cup last year, sparking hopes of a reciprocal visit. However, with the BCCI adhering to its government’s stance, the hybrid model emerged as the only viable compromise. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has emphasized the need for “equal terms” between the cricketing giants.
ICC Faces Pressure from Broadcasters
The impasse coincides with Jay Shah, BCCI Secretary and son of Indian Home Minister Amit Shah, assuming the ICC presidency on December 1. Reports suggest Shah attempted to resolve the deadlock before taking office but has been unsuccessful so far.
Broadcasters, meanwhile, are pressuring the ICC to finalize the tournament schedule as the Champions Trophy approaches. The delay has fueled concerns over logistical challenges and the event’s viability.
The Champions Trophy issue underscores the ongoing geopolitical tension spilling into the realm of cricket, leaving the tournament’s fate uncertain with less than three months to go.
