Colombo, July 16: Colombo, the vibrant capital of Sri Lanka, is set to welcome the International Cricket Council (ICC) Annual Conference from July 19th to 22nd, 2024. This event marks the first time the prestigious gathering is being held in the Asian region, drawing significant attention from the global cricket community.
A key agenda item for the conference is the discussion around the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, specifically the proposed hybrid model for the tournament. Pakistan, the current champions, have been awarded the hosting rights. However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Indian government present major obstacles for the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) in hosting the event successfully.
The tournament will see participation from teams including England, New Zealand, Australia, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, South Africa, and India, in addition to Pakistan. Despite the excitement, the Indian government’s stance on not sending the national team to Pakistan, citing security concerns and political tensions, complicates matters. The BCCI has expressed a preference for a hybrid model, suggesting that India’s matches be held in a neutral venue such as Sri Lanka or the UAE.
The ICC is considering this hybrid approach, and detailed discussions are expected during the conference. The BCCI requires government approval for the team to travel to Pakistan, which might lead to the finalization of the hybrid model, potentially designating the UAE as an alternative venue.
The PCB has voiced concerns over India’s potential last-minute withdrawal from the tournament, which could force the ICC to scramble for a new venue and adjust budget and travel plans accordingly. Since the 2008 terror attack, political relations between India and Pakistan have remained strained, affecting cricket relations as well. The two nations have not engaged in a bilateral series since the 2012-13 season, with their last encounter on Pakistani soil dating back to 2004-05. They have only faced each other in ICC events, with India winning their most recent encounters in both the ODI and T20 World Cups.
Reports suggest that India and Pakistan may be placed in the same group for the Champions Trophy. However, the implementation of the hybrid model could result in Pakistan losing the opportunity to host knockout games, including the final, further complicating the situation.As the ICC Annual Conference approaches, the cricket world watches closely, anticipating key decisions that will shape the future of the Champions Trophy and international cricket relations. (Agencies)
