Jay Shah, is newly appointed as the ICC Chairman and he is set to hold his first official meeting with the board members on Thursday, December 5, after assuming his role on December 1. This pre-scheduled meeting will include representatives from all 16 member boards. However, while there are many topics on the agenda, the future of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will be a priority. The focus will be on introducing Shah in his new capacity as Chairman.
Pakistan’s Stance And Its Demand
Pakistan had earlier been stern to say that they wouldn’t accept a hybrid model for Champions Trophy 2025 but now they have soften their stance. During discussions earlier with the ICC board, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) seemed to agree on the hybrid model but had placed one precondition: they wouldn’t go for any further ICC tournaments if it was being hosted by India. This demand, however, received sharp and pointed opposition from the rest of the board.
ICC Board’s Reaction To Pakistan’s Demands
According to India Today, say that all the other members present in the meeting, including 12 full member nations, three associate nations, and the ICC Chairman, rejected Pakistan’s demand. The women’s representative, who is also a member of the ICC board, was absent from this session. The other members of the board let Pakistan know that no written guarantee would be given to them for the denial of traveling to India for the future events. They added that such circumstances would be handled as they occur, and no official guarantees will be given.
Potential Consequences If Pakistan Remains Stubborn
Given the situation, Pakistan faces limited options if the Champions Trophy topic is raised in the upcoming meeting. If Pakistan remains adamant about not accepting the hybrid model unless they receive a written assurance, two potential scenarios could unfold:
Pakistan’s Exclusion From The Champions Trophy
The tournament can be carried out without Pakistan, where another team could be brought to replace them. This would come as a significant setback to Pakistan as they had heavily invested in the development of stadiums ahead of hosting the tournament.
Cancellation Of The Champions Trophy
The ICC may end up scrapping the tournament, considering it impossible to find another date to stage the event during the same year. This means losses for the ICC, but the loss will be much harder for Pakistan, who would have committed all their available resources into renovation work so far.
Pakistan Left With Limited Choice
In light of these circumstances, the PCB has little option but to accept the demands of the ICC board members. It seems increasingly likely that Pakistan will have to concede and allow the Champions Trophy to proceed with the hybrid model, without pushing any further conditions. This compromise seems to be the only viable solution to avoid further complications and potential losses.
