In a surprising turn of events, it has been reported that India is making efforts to prevent Pakistan from hosting the prestigious ICC Champions Trophy in 2025, as well as the highly anticipated Asia Cup in 2023. The news, originating from Indian media sources, suggests that the Indian team may find it “difficult” to visit Pakistan for these tournaments.
A senior official from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) expressed their intention to shift the hosting of the Champions Trophy away from Pakistan, while emphasizing that the hosting of the Asia Cup is beyond Pakistan’s control. This development raises concerns about the future of cricketing events in the region.
Interestingly, this development comes shortly after a delegation from the International Cricket Council (ICC) visited Pakistan and expressed their satisfaction with the country’s capability to host the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025.
The ICC delegation also hinted at playing a mediating role between the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the BCCI regarding the ongoing controversy surrounding the venue of the Asia Cup, initially scheduled to be held in Pakistan. The ICC delegation’s presence in Lahore was primarily focused on seeking assurances from the PCB regarding the Pakistani team’s participation in the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup.
A significant factor in the dispute between the PCB and the BCCI revolves around the PCB’s insistence on implementing a hybrid model for their matches in the ICC Cricket World Cup. PCB chief Najam Sethi had previously stated that if the Indian team did not visit Pakistan for the Asia Cup, the Pakistani team would refuse to travel to India for the tournament.
This stance by Sethi caught Pakistan by surprise, as it raised concerns about the potential division within the international cricket community. To accommodate India, the PCB proposed two hybrid models for the Asia Cup, but the BCCI expressed reservations. They were concerned that accepting the PCB’s proposed hybrid model could set a precedent for the ICC World Cup as well.
If the Asia Cup were to be held at a neutral venue or relocated from Pakistan, it would be a significant setback for both the ICC and the BCCI. An India-Pakistan match held in India attracts a packed stadium and serves as an economic success for the Indian board and the ICC alike.
However, hosting the match in any other country would likely result in a smaller crowd, compromising the financial prospects of the event. It is worth noting that BCCI Secretary Jay Shah had reservations about accepting the PCB’s hybrid model for the Asia Cup, primarily due to concerns about the potential impact on attendance.
In response to the BCCI’s reluctance to endorse the hybrid model, reports indicate that the Asia Cricket Council (ACC), which oversees the Asia Cup, is also showing reservations. This raises the possibility of the Asia Cup being taken away from Pakistan. PCB chief Najam Sethi has already stated that if the Asia Cup is relocated to a neutral country, the Pakistani team would not participate. The potential consequences of such a decision would be far-reaching, impacting the cricketing landscape in the region.
The controversy surrounding the hosting of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and the Asia Cup 2023 has added another chapter to the longstanding rivalry between India and Pakistan in cricket. India’s reported efforts to prevent Pakistan from hosting these tournaments have stirred discussions and raised concerns about the future of cricket in the region.
The involvement of the ICC delegation and their role in mediating between the PCB and the BCCI further adds complexity to the situation. As the debate continues and the stakeholders deliberate on the way forward, cricket enthusiasts eagerly await a resolution that ensures the spirit of the game remains intact while addressing the concerns of all parties involved.
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