An International Cricket Council (ICC) delegation, led by Chairman Greg Barclay and CEO Geoff Allardice, has applauded Pakistan’s ability to host the 2025 Champions Trophy, recognizing it as a secure location for sports. The delegation also suggested they might intervene in the ongoing tension between the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
During their visit to Lahore, the ICC delegates sought confirmation from the PCB about the Pakistani team’s participation in the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup slated for October-November. The ICC hopes the PCB would not demand a hybrid model for their World Cup matches.
PCB’s chief, Najam Sethi, had previously warned that the Pakistan cricket team might boycott the trip to India for the World Cup if the Indian team didn’t visit Pakistan for the Asia Cup. This stance has raised concerns in the BCCI, fearing the PCB might lobby for the hybrid model in the World Cup if it gets approved for the Asia Cup.
Sethi indicated that if the Pakistani government disapproves of the team traveling to India, the PCB might propose hosting the matches at a neutral venue. Such a decision could prove detrimental to the ICC and BCCI, given that an India-Pakistan match held in India draws massive crowds and is financially beneficial for both organizations. Conversely, relocating the match to another country might result in a lesser spectator turnout.
Sethi also mentioned that if the Asia Cup were moved from Pakistan to a neutral venue, Pakistan would withdraw from participation. Reports suggest that despite the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) supporting the hybrid model, the BCCI’s hesitation might lead to relocating the Asia Cup away from Pakistan.
During their trip, the ICC delegates, Barclay and Allardice, visited locations including the National Cricket Academy and Museum.
Read: PCB informs ICC: Pakistan’s World Cup Participation Subject to Government Approval
