"No Broadcaster Will Support ICC Without India": Pakistan Stands Isolated in Champions Trophy Dispute

The International Cricket Council (ICC) finds itself in the midst of a heated dispute regarding the hosting of the Champions Trophy 2025. A meeting on Friday brought together ICC stakeholders to address the impasse, primarily driven by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

The Core Issue

• The BCCI has not received clearance from the Indian government for the Indian cricket team to travel to Pakistan, the designated host nation for the Champions Trophy.
• The PCB has firmly opposed the "hybrid model" proposal, which suggests that India’s matches be held in a neutral venue, likely the UAE.

Broadcaster Dependency on India

According to reports, all ICC member boards, except the PCB, have aligned with the BCCI’s stance. A source from the ICC Board reportedly stated:
"No broadcaster will give a penny to an ICC event that does not feature India, and even Pakistan acknowledges that. If the PCB does not agree to the hybrid model, the tournament could be shifted to another country entirely, potentially the UAE, but it would proceed without Pakistan."

PCB's Isolated Position

• The Friday meeting, chaired by ICC deputy chairperson Imran Khwaja due to the absence of outgoing head Greg Barclay, saw PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi reiterating Pakistan's resistance to the hybrid model.
• While all member boards aim for a resolution, the PCB remains firm in its stance, risking further isolation.

Future Steps

A senior ICC administrator mentioned that discussions will continue in upcoming meetings. The ICC Board is expected to reconvene over the next few days to finalize the Champions Trophy hosting arrangements.

Broader Implications

The ICC faces a challenging situation as it navigates between geopolitical tensions, broadcaster interests, and the tournament’s viability. With India being a critical market for ICC events, broadcasters’ reluctance to support a tournament without India places significant pressure on the PCB to compromise.

As negotiations unfold, the future of the Champions Trophy 2025 hangs in the balance, with the possibility of Pakistan losing its hosting rights if a consensus isn’t reached.