The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has appealed to the International Cricket Council (ICC) to conclude hosting rights agreements for the Champions Trophy 2025. Emphasizing the need for compensation, the PCB asserted that it should be indemnified if India decides not to travel to Pakistan for the tournament, citing political and security reasons.
According to a reliable source within the PCB, discussions were held between PCB Chairman Zaka Ashraf, COO Salman Naseer, and the ICC executive board in Ahmedabad. The source revealed that while Pakistan is designated as the host, the hosting agreement with the ICC is yet to be officially signed.
The PCB officials conveyed concerns about the potential refusal of the Indian cricket board (BCCI) to send its team to Pakistan. In response, they proposed that if India refuses on security grounds, an independent security agency appointed by the ICC should liaise with the Pakistan government and security officials to assess the security situation for all participating teams, including India.
The PCB insisted that in case India chooses not to play in Pakistan, leading to matches being relocated, the ICC must compensate Pakistan for such a scenario. The source highlighted the historic tension between the governments of Pakistan and India, indicating a high likelihood of India opting out due to security and political considerations.
Notably, India declined to play in Pakistan during the Asia Cup held in August-September this year. Pakistan hosted only four games of the tournament under an agreement with the Asian Cricket Council, while India played its matches in Sri Lanka.
During the ICC meeting, PCB officials reaffirmed their commitment to retaining hosting rights, while the BCCI representative stated that India’s decision on playing in Pakistan would be contingent on their government’s call.
By PTI
