PCB urges ICC to sign Champions Trophy 2025 hosting rights agreement

 

PCB urges ICC to sign Champions Trophy 2025 hosting rights agreement

Pakistan seeks compensation in case of India's non-participation

Asher Butt

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has formally requested the International Cricket Council (ICC) to finalize the hosting rights agreements for the Champions Trophy 2025 and, in the event of India's non-participation citing security reasons, to ensure compensation for any logistical adjustments.

India has refrained from participating in bilateral series in Pakistan since 2008, citing geopolitical and security concerns. This stance extended to the Asia Cup 2023, which was eventually conducted in hybrid mode, with India's matches held in Sri Lanka.

While Pakistan has been designated as the host for the Champions Trophy 2025 by the ICC, the hosting agreement is yet to be signed, raising concerns for the PCB.

PCB Chairman Zaka Ashraf and COO Salman Naseer reportedly met with the ICC executive board in Ahmedabad to discuss hosting the tournament in Pakistan from February to March 2025.

According to an Indian news agency, during the meeting, PCB officials expressed concerns about the potential refusal of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to send its team to Pakistan and emphasized that the ICC should avoid unilateral decisions on the tournament.

PCB officials proposed that if India declines to play in Pakistan due to security reasons, the ICC should appoint an independent security agency. This agency would collaborate with the Pakistan government and security officials to assess the security situation for all participating teams, including India.

The PCB emphasized that several top teams had toured Pakistan in the last two years without security concerns. However, if India's matches were relocated to another country, the PCB insisted on compensation from the ICC.

PCB officials remain skeptical about India's willingness to play in Pakistan due to strained relations between the governments, prompting them to seek safeguards and compensation clauses in the hosting agreement.