Vikrant Shekhawat : Nov 24, 2024, 07:00 AM
Champions Trophy 2025: The Champions Trophy 2025 is set to be held in Pakistan, but the long-standing political tension between India and Pakistan has created uncertainty over the tournament. The BCCI has refused to send the Indian team to Pakistan citing security concerns, raising questions over the hosting and schedule of this prestigious tournament.BCCI proposes hybrid modelThe BCCI has suggested that India can participate in the tournament only if it is held in a 'hybrid model'. Under this model, India will play its matches in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) instead of Pakistan. Also, the BCCI has also proposed to shift the entire tournament to a neutral venue.However, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has outright rejected this model. The PCB says it is not ready to back down from its decision to host the Champions Trophy in Pakistan.PCB denies meeting reportsRecently there were reports in the media that officials of PCB, BCCI and ICC would hold a virtual meeting on November 26 to clear the uncertainties of the tournament. But the PCB has denied these reports.A senior PCB official told PTI that he has not received any information from the ICC about any such meeting. He also said that the ICC has not yet responded to his email, which sought clarification on BCCI's reluctance.ICC's role and possible votingAn ICC source indicated that an internal meeting may be held to take a final decision on the venue of the Champions Trophy. It is likely that voting will be done on the schedule in it. This meeting is also important because broadcasters are putting pressure on the ICC regarding the schedule of the tournament.According to sources, there will be discussions on holding the tournament in Pakistan, shifting it to a neutral venue or adopting the hybrid model suggested by the BCCI.PCB's tough standThe PCB has made it clear that it is ready to host any team and is not ready to play group matches against India in Dubai. Also, the Executive Board had suggested keeping India and Pakistan in separate pools, but the broadcasters rejected it due to loss of revenue.Is the tournament in trouble?The impact of political tension between India and Pakistan is clearly visible on cricket. Organizing the tournament in Pakistan is a matter of prestige for the PCB, but BCCI's concerns and demand for a hybrid model have complicated it.It is now up to the ICC and member countries to resolve this situation. The success of organizing the Champions Trophy 2025 and the hopes of cricket fans depend on the settlement of this dispute.