The fate of the 2025 Champions Trophy remains uncertain, with key decisions still pending. As the cricket world eagerly waits for clarity, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has yet to finalize the tournament’s venue and format. Despite ongoing discussions, there is no official confirmation on where the tournament will be held, leaving a cloud of ambiguity over the event.
Important Letter From Star India To ICC A While Ago
In a report by TOI, in the letter, Star India has highlighted the substantial financial implications around the hosting decision of the tournament. The broadcaster highlighted the potential uncertainty on where the event will be held since it would significantly impact the revenue from media rights.
A Historic Shift In Media Rights
For the very first time, the ICC has decided to sell media rights for the Indian market as separate when they negotiated a four-year deal. Thus, due to this the ICC reaped 90% of the global media revenue from only the Indian market. Star India has emphasized this fact that these financial dependencies on the Indian market have been vital during the negotiation process.
Financial Impact If India Does Not Participate
Star India’s letter focused on the fact that the ICC must consider very carefully the cost implications of withdrawal from the tournament:
Value of Champions Trophy Media Rights: $750 million
Total Number of Matches: 15
India Withdraws: If India withdraws, ICC members would lose 90% of the $750 million.
Pakistan Withdraws: A Pakistani withdrawal would have a marginal loss, less than 10%.
ICC Can Shift The Tournament
Times Of India quoted industry sources as saying: “The ICC is well within its rights to shift the tournament to any country as long as it is in the best interests of the property (read: Champions Trophy). The decision is not so complicated as it is being made to look”.
At the ICC board meeting, if it comes down to seeking a vote from the members to decide on the tournament, the above numbers will come into play.
How Will The Fate Of Champions Trophy Be Decided?
“There is no question of the tournament getting cancelled. As for the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) saying they will do a quid-pro with India when the Asia Cup arrives, let’s be clear that the current topic is an ICC matter. The Asia Cup is for the Asian Cricket Council to decide. Neither is the federation the same, nor the broadcaster and it’s a completely separate issue for PCB to think about,” sources of TOI add.
There is a possibility that the BCCI may not agree to the UAE as a neutral venue and could propose alternative options. “We’ll talk about it when we get there,” says an ICC member board representative
The ICC board meeting is likely to be held today (December 5) and with Jay Shah taking charge as the new chair of ICC, the final decision on the future of Champions Trophy is expected.
