The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has verbally communicated its decision to the International Cricket Council (ICC) regarding its stance on not traveling to Pakistan for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy. However, the ICC has formally requested a written explanation from the BCCI, seeking more detailed reasoning for its withdrawal.
As per ICC regulations, the BCCI is required to provide valid justifications for not sending the Indian team to Pakistan for this prestigious event. Pakistan’s Cricket Board (PCB) had previously requested this written communication, as India’s absence could have significant consequences for the tournament.
Once the BCCI submits its reasons, the ICC will review their validity. If deemed insufficient, the ICC may require India to participate. Should India continue to refuse, the ICC could consider adding a ninth team to the tournament lineup.
This issue has significant financial implications. The absence of India would lead to a loss of approximately $500 million for the ICC due to reduced broadcasting rights, sponsorships, and advertisement revenues, particularly from India-Pakistan matchups. The BCCI would also face a loss of about $100 million, as the lack of India-Pakistan games would impact their financial returns.
The 2025 ICC Champions Trophy is scheduled to take place from February 19 to March 9, with the participating teams being Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, and South Africa. Originally, the schedule was expected to be revealed on November 11 in Lahore, where all of India’s matches were planned to be held.
ICC Cancels Champions Trophy Trophy Tour to Pakistani Cities
The ICC has canceled the 2025 Champions Trophy trophy tour to the Pakistani cities of Skardu, Murree, and Muzaffarabad following objections from the BCCI. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had announced a nationwide trophy tour from November 16-24, but this plan was scrapped after the BCCI expressed concerns, particularly over the inclusion of Muzaffarabad. This adds to the ongoing tensions, with India already signaling its reluctance to send its team to Pakistan.
The PCB confirmed receiving notice from the ICC about the decision to exclude these cities from the tour. The PCB has referred the matter to the Pakistani government for further action.
The ICC is still planning to announce the 2025 Champions Trophy schedule in mid-November, with matches tentatively set for February 19 to March 9 in Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Karachi.
Sethi Criticizes ICC’s Response to BCCI Influence
Former PCB chairman Najam Sethi has criticized the ICC for allegedly bowing to the influence of the BCCI amidst the uncertainty surrounding the 2025 Champions Trophy. Sethi, who led the PCB during tense periods involving India’s refusal to tour Pakistan, believes that the anticipated rise of Jay Shah to the position of ICC Chairman has strengthened the BCCI’s control over the organization.
“ICC is very weak and will never stand against BCCI because ICC depends on BCCI’s revenue,” Sethi stated in an interview, adding, “ICC is not ICC anymore. ICC is now BCCI because Jay Shah is set to become Chairman.”
Sethi has called for direct government-level talks between Pakistan and India, expressing confidence that the Indian team would travel to Pakistan if approved by the Indian government. He also suggested that a direct appeal to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi might encourage India to participate in the Champions Trophy.