ISLAMABAD: The anticipation surrounding the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy has taken a tense diplomatic turn, as Pakistan rejected a proposed “hybrid model” to accommodate India’s potential reluctance to play in Pakistan. Information Minister Atta Tarar firmly stated on Saturday that the concept of relocating matches to another country to facilitate India’s participation is “unacceptable.”
“India is welcome to participate if they choose, but we won’t relocate the event to another country to accommodate anyone else,” Tarar said, reiterating Pakistan’s stance on hosting the entire tournament as scheduled.
India’s participation in the Champions Trophy, set to be held in Pakistan from February 19 to March 9, 2025, has been clouded by political complexities. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) recently informed the International Cricket Council (ICC) of the Indian government’s advice against traveling to Pakistan. However, it is still unclear if this notification was formal, as the ICC has requested written confirmation before moving forward with any decisions.
Pakistan’s Position: Cricket, Not Compromise
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi echoed Tarar’s sentiments, emphasizing Pakistan’s intent to host the entire event. “Any issues should be presented in writing. We have neither discussed nor accepted a hybrid model,” Naqvi stated during a press conference at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium. He further hinted at possible diplomatic implications, suggesting that future Pakistan tours to India could similarly require government clearance, especially given Pakistan’s recent participation in the ODI World Cup held in India despite political tensions.
Naqvi’s comments underscored Pakistan’s push for clarity and direct communication with the ICC and BCCI. “Cricket should be kept free from politics,” added Tarar, underscoring a stance that resonates amid the region’s diplomatic complexities.
Hybrid Hosting: ICC’s Solution or Another Roadblock?
To accommodate India’s potential absence, the ICC has reportedly floated the idea of a hybrid hosting model, similar to the recent 2023 Asia Cup format where India’s matches were held in Sri Lanka. However, Naqvi dismissed this notion, affirming that the PCB would only consider alternative solutions after receiving a formal notification from the ICC or BCCI.
While the hybrid model has been implemented before, adapting it to the Champions Trophy presents logistical challenges. The tournament has a compact schedule, with group matches, semi-finals, and the final spread over a few weeks, making co-hosting more complex than typical bilateral series. The ICC has reportedly shortlisted the UAE and Sri Lanka as potential co-hosts, with the UAE slightly favored due to its geographic proximity and previous experience in hosting Pakistan matches.
Champions Trophy Preparations: Time Running Out
With less than three months before the tournament, the BCCI’s hesitation has complicated Pakistan’s preparations. India’s last tour of Pakistan was in 2008 for the Asia Cup, and diplomatic strains have limited recent matches to ICC events. The last bilateral series took place when Pakistan toured India for limited-overs games in 2012-13.
Despite these challenges, Pakistan remains steadfast, having hosted some matches in the 2023 Asia Cup and previously expressed willingness to separate cricket from politics. However, Naqvi’s latest remarks suggest a reluctance to replicate the Asia Cup model for the Champions Trophy.
Champions Trophy Outlook
Pakistan’s victory against Australia in the Adelaide Test series has further boosted national excitement for the Champions Trophy. Information Minister Tarar expressed optimism, stating that recent team changes have sparked momentum, with morale high and players such as Mohammad Rizwan and Saim Ayub delivering standout performances. “Positive changes have been made, and the team’s morale is high,” Tarar commented, also congratulating PCB Chairman Naqvi for his impactful changes.
As the countdown to the Champions Trophy begins, the PCB and ICC face a narrowing window to resolve India’s participation uncertainty. The outcome may shape not only the tournament’s structure but also the future dynamics of cricket diplomacy between India and Pakistan.
