The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) stressed India’s importance in the financial success of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 which is to be hosted by Pakistan. Speaking to the press, ECB Director Richard Thompson voiced concern that India may not show up, because of important financial consequences.
“Cricket can’t afford to do without broadcasting rights,” Thompson said, noting that the event, which excludes India, will not be beneficial to the sport. The 8-team event, which is due to take place in February-March 2025, is in limbo due to India’s waiting for government permission to visit Pakistan. In order to break the impasse, Thompson reported that a hybrid model is being considered.
This proposal will enable India to play its matches at neutral venues. If they so opt, not to go to Pakistan. Nevertheless, Thompson remarked that the final decision on this model would lie with Jay Shah, newly appointed ICC CEO and Secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). ECB CEO Richard Gould echoed Thompson’s sentiments.
ECB chief points out geopolitical issues as India refuses to play Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan
He recognized the geopolitics issues that come with Pakistan and India playing but also emphasized the incredible prize money at the heart of the broadcast rights. Gould also confirmed that the ICC would soon meet to settle on a way ahead. Reports in Indian media suggest that the BCCI has already indicated its reluctance to send the Indian team to Pakistan, marking the continuation of a long-standing political standoff.
India has not visited Pakistan since the 2008 Asia Cup because of the strained relations between the two nations. In the meantime, Pakistan has traveled to India four times in the last 16 years, most recently during the ICC Men’s World Cup (2023).
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is significantly awaited by cricket fans, but it’s still unclear whether the Indian team will be visiting neighbors. At the moment, it is all about the coming of ICC, to decide the fate of this much-criticized tournament.
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