PCB has a topmost demand that states if the 2025 Champions Trophy is hosted in a hybrid model, then all upcoming ICC events hosted by India should implement the same. According to the reports, the Pakistan Cricket Board may ask for compensation as there are a total of 5 matches to be played in a neutral venue including India’s 3 group matches, 1 semi-final, and 1 final. However, PCB’s demand for this compensation cannot be denied.
PCB asks for ‘Tri-Series’.
It is said that PCB is asking for a Tri-series where India, Pakistan, and other countries matches are to be hosted in a neutral/common venue. As of now, ICC and Asian Cricket Council events are the only time when India and Pakistan play against each other. Therefore, experts believe that even this request of PCB will be denied.
Request for Placement in Different Groups.
Finally, after PCB had no choice other than to accept the Hybrid model, it came up with another request. And, it states that the placement of India and Pakistan must be in different groups so that they don’t have to play the league matches outside the country.
However, cricket analysts feel that ICC will keep later consequences in mind and reject this request too. Because face-off matches between India and Pakistan are the most followed ones in the cricket world, which is an income generator for many broadcasters and sponsors.
Broadcaster’s campaign despite ICC not releasing the Schedule.
Amidst the uncertain situation around the 2025 Champions Trophy, its broadcaster has already started the campaign. They have launched an advertisement for the tournament, which is of duration 20 seconds and has the caption “Coming Soon”. Despite ICC has not released the schedule, the broadcasters have urged to advertise it. However, they have not mentioned the date, because they don’t know it and waiting for the ICC’s official schedule release.
According to the latest reports, the PCB (Pakistan Cricket Board) has reached to agreement for playing their matches in Dubai, UAE. And, this means that the tournament is still awaited to begin.
Star Sports is the official broadcaster of the ‘Champions Trophy 2025’, and has recently launched a 20-second advertisement. And, this ad features star cricketers of India — Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, and a few other players. Also, it included players from other nations that are participating, which further confirms that the tournament is on the cards.
Prime Minister of Pakistan assures support to PCB!
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif guaranteed to extend valuable guidance and support to Mohsin Naqvi, the Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board. He has expressed his promise to help him throughout the issue of hosting the Champions Trophy in 2025. Adding to this, he stated that Pakistan must keep up its self-respect, especially while dealing with such matters.
Not just being Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif is also the Patron in Chief of the PCB. He has told to Mohsin Naqvi that the Pakistan Cricket Board is not just thinking about money, but also public sentiments that are important to be taken into consideration.
After the meeting, Mohsin Naqvi gave updates to Shehbaz Sharif regarding the developments. But as of now, there is no public announcement or revelation of details regarding the meeting.
The reports say that Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is supporting the Pakistan Cricket Board. Moreover, he praised PCB’s Chairman Mohsin Naqvi for his stance regarding India’s refusal to play in Pakistan.
Mohsin Naqvi silent on Pakistan’s Tri-Series proposal
Recently, while Mohsin Naqvi spoke to the media in Lahore, a question arose about the Tri-Series. The PCB chairman replied in Urdu, saying that he does not want to delve deeper into specifics during this time. Because he felt that preserving their position was very critical for them. Adding to this, he stated that Pakistan is playing a valuable role in this process, and he assured that it will continue to do so.
When more questions were asked regarding this, Mohsin Naqvi said that he could not comment anything on that as the meeting on 7th December was postponed. Therefore, he stated they will be able to provide complete details only after the ICC approves their decisions.
Shahid Afridi’s Bold Criticism of ICC Regarding Champions Trophy 2025
The Former captain of Pakistan Cricket national team, Shahid Afridi becomes part of the heated debate. He voiced out about recurring negotiation disputes between PCB (Pakistan Cricket Board) and BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India).
Shahid Afridi praises the Pakistan Cricket Board for its uncompromising approach towards India’s refusal to send its cricket team to their country for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. He said that ICC should be reflecting their basic responsibilities. But what sparked the controversy is, that Shahid Afridi made a bold criticism of the International Cricket Council. He asked ICC whether their primary goal is to provide opportunities for every nation to compete in the cricket world, or is it solely a cause to chase financial gain
