A day after a virtual ICC board meeting failed to finalize the venue for the Champions Trophy in 2025, the situation remains unresolved. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who is in Dubai, was seen attending Pakistan’s Under-19 victory over India, but the greater focus remains on ongoing discussions between the PCB, BCCI, and ICC over the future of the tournament.
Naqvi, who had previously spoken in the early hours of Thursday, did not dismiss the possibility of a hybrid model for hosting the Champions Trophy. However, he remained firm in stating that any arrangement would be made with Pakistan’s interests and respect for its position in mind.
“We will do whatever’s best for cricket,” Naqvi told reporters. “If we adopt any other formula [other than hosting the tournament in Pakistan], it will be done on the basis of equality. The most important thing for Pakistan is its respect; everything else is secondary.”
His repeated comments on “equality” have stirred speculation that Pakistan is seeking concessions from both the ICC and BCCI should they agree to a hybrid model. This could mean India playing their matches outside of Pakistan, with reciprocal arrangements for future tournaments hosted by India. Additionally, there may be financial compensations for the PCB, though Naqvi has repeatedly emphasized that decisions would not be driven solely by financial interests.
The hybrid model is one of three potential options being discussed, and a final decision is expected within the next few days. Sources indicate that any proposal would require approval from the governments of both India and Pakistan, given the current restrictions on Indian teams traveling to Pakistan. The PCB has made it clear that any arrangement must be approved by the Pakistani government before it can be presented to the ICC.
Also read: Shakib Al Hasan Excluded from Bangladesh’s ODI Squad Against West Indies
“We need to settle this once and for all,” Naqvi stated, emphasizing the need for long-term solutions beyond the Champions Trophy. “Whatever happens must see everyone treated equally.”
The Champions Trophy is set to begin in less than 90 days, on February 19, 2025. Originally, the tournament was scheduled to be hosted by Pakistan, with Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi serving as the venues. However, if a hybrid model is adopted, the UAE is considered the front-runner for any additional venue outside Pakistan.
Also read: Gerald Coetzee a Doubt for Second Test After Groin Injury in Durban
As the clock ticks down to the tournament’s scheduled start, both the PCB and ICC are under pressure to reach a decision that satisfies all parties involved while ensuring the event can go ahead as planned.
