PCB's arrogance will cost it dearly, it may lose hosting rights of Champions Trophy

Champions Trophy 2025: It was in the year 2021, the then chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Rameez Raja, had publicly said in a meeting that if India wanted, it could weaken the PCB financially. The reason given for this was that 90% of the income of the International Cricket Council (ICC) comes from Indian companies, and this economic dependence can also affect the cricket world. This statement was a symbol of Rameez Raja's understanding that India has an important role in the global system of cricket.

There is a special reason to remember this today. The current chairman of the PCB is Mohsin Naqvi, who is turning away from this bitter truth. He is trying to host the proposed Champions Trophy in 2025 only in Pakistan. A hybrid model has been proposed by the ICC, in which the tournament can be held in two countries, but Mohsin Naqvi does not agree with this. The thinking of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is clear that the Indian team will not go to Pakistan, and this policy has been going on since 2008. This decision is the result of India taking a tough stand on the issue of terrorism, and for this reason India stopped touring Pakistan.

BCCI's diplomacy and its role in world cricket

BCCI has played a big role in world cricket. Being financially strong, BCCI has maintained good relations with other boards. It played bilateral series, which improved the financial condition of smaller cricket boards. After the terrorist attack on the Sri Lankan team in 2009, BCCI could have deprived Pakistan of hosting ICC events if it wanted, but it never took such a step. This clearly means that BCCI's stance is tough on terrorism, but it has always tried to keep cricket away from politics.

Role of Jai Shah in ICC

BCCI Secretary Jai Shah will take over as ICC Chairman in December. This will further increase India's influence in the ICC. Jai Shah supported the hybrid model during the Asia Cup in 2023, in which both Pakistan and Sri Lanka got the hosting rights. Now his stance may be the same in the Champions Trophy as well. Other ICC member countries like Sri Lanka and UAE will be ready to host the Champions Trophy, which can become a challenge for PCB.

PCB needs to adapt to changing times

PCB has spent billions of rupees to rebuild its stadiums for the Champions Trophy. PCB should understand that this is the time to adapt to ICC. If PCB gives up its stubbornness and agrees to hold the tournament in a hybrid model, it will be beneficial for them. This will also increase their hosting credibility, and it will prove that big tournaments can be successfully organized in Pakistan too.

PCB should keep cricket away from politics and maintain good relations with BCCI. If PCB understands the words of its own former chairman Rameez Raja and takes a decision keeping in mind the delicacy of the time, it will be in their interest.