ICC Issues Ultimatum To PCB: Accept Hybrid Model Or Risk Exclusion From Champions Trophy

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has issued a firm warning to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). They must accept the hybrid model for the 2025 Champions Trophy or face exclusion. This impasse arose during an emergency ICC Board meeting on November 29 in Dubai.

During this meeting, efforts to finalise the tournament schedule were hindered by PCB's unwillingness to compromise. The hybrid model suggests that India's matches, including a semifinal and the final, be held in the UAE due to security concerns about traveling to Pakistan.

The PCB insists on hosting the entire tournament in Pakistan, a position it has maintained since being granted hosting rights in 2021. An ICC Board member disclosed anonymously to PTI, "If Mr. Mohsin Naqvi does not agree with the hybrid model, the ICC may shift the tournament entirely to another country, possibly the UAE, but without Pakistan's participation."

This situation is similar to the 2023 Asia Cup, where a hybrid model was used to address India's security concerns. The ICC Board plans to meet again soon, with attention focused on PCB Chief Mohsin Naqvi. He is consulting with the Pakistan government before making a final decision.

The ICC's official broadcaster, Star, has reportedly cautioned that excluding India could lead to renegotiations of its profitable broadcasting agreement. Meanwhile, India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) reiterated its stance citing security concerns for Indian players in Pakistan.

An MEA spokesperson stated during a media briefing that "The BCCI has made it clear that it is unlikely the team will travel to Pakistan." This statement underscores India's firm position on not sending their team to Pakistan.

Financial Implications for PCB

If PCB rejects the hybrid model, they risk losing hosting rights along with a $6 million hosting fee and gate revenue. Additionally, Pakistan might lose its place in the tournament altogether if they do not comply with ICC's conditions.

The recent meeting was chaired by ICC Deputy Chair Imran Khwaja due to outgoing Chair Greg Barclay's absence and lasted only 15 minutes. Although sympathetic towards PCB's concerns, the board reaffirmed that adopting the hybrid model remains essential due to broadcasters' demands for India's participation.

The PCB now faces a critical decision regarding their involvement in this prestigious event as they weigh potential losses against their desire for full control over hosting arrangements.