‘We Boycott The Champions Trophy’: ICC In A Fix Amid PCB vs BCCI Tussle, Here're Possible Options

Amid India’s reluctance to travel to Pakistan and the PCB’s denial of a hybrid model, the ICC is striving to find a middle ground to conduct the Champions Trophy next year.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has conveyed to the ICC that the Indian team will not fly to Pakistan for the eight-nation event, scheduled for February 2025.

In response, the Mohsin Naqvi-led PCB has sought an explanation from the global cricketing body for the BCCI’s refusal.

While the tussle continues between the neighbours, former Pakistan Cricket Board chief Najam Sethi has suggested three options for the ICC to conduct the tournament.

“ICC has very few options,” said Sethi while talking to ‘Samaa TV’.

“One, India comes to play, which they will not.

They refused for kabaddi, also blind cricket.

Earlier, kabaddi teams used to come, similarly tennis players came for Davis Cup before.

This time they (India) have taken a hard line, not just on cricket but on other things (sports) as well.

So, I think there is something serious here.

In that case, it could be a hybrid model, with some matches played in Pakistan and India’s matches held elsewhere,” he added.

“The second option is that if the hybrid model is not acceptable to Pakistan, then the ICC moves the entire tournament to another country.

Then, what options will Pakistan have? Either they will say ‘we boycott the Champions Trophy’ or they agree to play at another venue.

But after having rejected a hybrid model, will they consider playing in another country? I think that will be a difficult situation for Pakistan… It may turn into a big issue in political circles,” said Sethi.

The third option from Sethi was more of a piece of advice for the Pakistan Cricket Board, asking them to refrain from making emotional decisions.

“If you have rejected a hybrid model after India refused to come and also rejected playing in another country, then you won’t play in future ICC events also.

So, you are basically going to push yourself out of the ICC.

And if you do that, then what will remain besides bilateral cricket? You don’t make much money in bilateral cricket because it is reciprocal,” Sethi said.

“Whoever is making these decisions, should think what is its logic.

India knows the logic behind the boycott; they can sustain it.

They have done it before… ICC will then be compelled.

But what will Pakistan do? So, my advice is that whoever is making the decisions should think wisely and not emotionally,” he concluded.

During Sethi’s regime, the Asia Cup was held using a hybrid model.

India played all its matches in Sri Lanka after refusing to visit Pakistan for the tournament.

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