The controversy over the Champions Trophy is not stopping, now PCB has put a hindrance

BCCI vs PCB: Tensions are growing between India and Pakistan over the organization of the upcoming 2025 Champions Trophy. The hosting of this tournament has been given to Pakistan, which is preparing for a major international tournament on its home grounds after many years. But the controversy over the visit of the Indian cricket team to Pakistan is not taking the name of stopping. Recently there were reports that an agreement has been reached between the India and Pakistan Cricket Board (BCCI and PCB) on the 'hybrid model', but PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has denied these reports.

No agreement on hybrid model: PCB's clarification

On Friday, Mohsin Naqvi claimed the lack of any formal information from the BCCI in a press conference at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. Naqvi said that he has not received any indication from the BCCI that the Indian team will not travel to Pakistan. Naqvi says that there has never been any formal conversation on the 'hybrid model', nor has the PCB agreed to this model yet.

Sources from the BCCI claimed that India has already informed the PCB that Team India will not go to Pakistan. Naqvi clarified that if a formal proposal comes from the BCCI, they will present it to the Pakistan government and will abide by the government's decision. Amid this controversy, Naqvi said that the PCB has been showing good behavior so far, but this should not always be expected from them.

PCB's proposal and BCCI's stance

The PCB had proposed to the BCCI that the Indian team's base could be in Delhi or Chandigarh and they could fly to Lahore on the day of the match. They could return the next day as soon as the match is over. This proposal was given keeping in mind security concerns, but the BCCI rejected this option.

The reason for this dispute between the BCCI and the PCB is that India has not played in Pakistan since 2008. Due to political tension and security issues between India and Pakistan, the teams of both the countries have been playing each other only at neutral venues in ICC tournaments.

Champions Trophy 2025: PCB's preparations

The PCB is busy upgrading its stadiums to international standards to host the 2025 Champions Trophy. The tournament is being held in Pakistan after many years, which has created excitement in the country's cricket world. Pakistani sports lovers hope that this tournament will not only promote the country's cricket but will also have a positive impact on Pakistan's hosting capabilities for international cricket.

What could be the consequences of India not going to Pakistan?

If the Indian team does not go to Pakistan, it will definitely affect the Champions Trophy. This can also be a challenging situation for the ICC, as India's large fan base and its economic position in cricket at the international level make it important.

At the same time, if India remains adamant on not going to Pakistan, then the matches of the tournament may be organized at a neutral venue. Recently, the option of hybrid model was adopted during Asia Cup 2023, where India's matches were held at a neutral venue in Sri Lanka.

Way forward

At present, no concrete decision has been taken in the talks between PCB and BCCI. PCB Chairman Naqvi has made it clear that only if any formal communication comes from BCCI, it will be placed before the government. Amidst this controversy, there is curiosity among the audience about the organization of the Champions Trophy and India-Pakistan matches.

It will be interesting to see in which direction the talks between BCCI and PCB go in the coming days. Now every cricket lover's eyes are fixed on the organization of the 2025 Champions Trophy.