The marquee event without India not an option, contingencies available: ECB
New Delhi, Oct 16: In what appears to be an increasingly likely scenario, the upcoming Champions Trophy in 2025 could follow a hybrid model, similar to the format used during the 2023 Asia Cup.
This comes as top officials from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) have emphasized that India’s participation is crucial for the success of the tournament, set to be hosted by Pakistan.
Discussions about the tournament’s format have surfaced, especially considering the long-standing political tensions between India and Pakistan. The Indian cricket team has not toured Pakistan since 2008 due to strained bilateral relations, and any decision for India to participate in Pakistan hinges on the Indian government’s clearance. With the government unlikely to give the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) the green light for a tour, it seems increasingly probable that the Champions Trophy will be held across multiple venues, allowing India to play their matches outside Pakistan while other games are staged within the host nation.
During a visit to Pakistan, ECB Chairman Richard Thompson, accompanied by CEO Richard Gould, highlighted the logistical complexities that would arise if India were to be absent from the Champions Trophy. Thompson stated unequivocally that India’s involvement in the tournament is non-negotiable and that the cricket world cannot afford to stage the event without the participation of one of the sport’s biggest markets.
“It would not be in cricket’s interest for India not to be playing in the Champions Trophy,” said Thompson, as quoted by *ESPNcricinfo*. “We understand the geopolitical issues at play, but cricket must find a way. And, there are contingencies in place if India doesn’t travel to Pakistan.”
While an official decision is yet to be made, the tournament—scheduled for February-March 2025—could likely follow the hybrid model employed during the Asia Cup, where India played their matches in neutral venues, while Pakistan hosted other games. The situation remains fluid, but this format appears to be the most practical solution, balancing the safety concerns and diplomatic sensitivities.
The BCCI’s decision to allow India to participate in Pakistan will ultimately depend on the Indian government’s stance, and indications suggest that clearance for travel to Pakistan is unlikely. India and Pakistan only meet in multi-nation tournaments like the World Cup or Asia Cup, and bilateral cricketing ties have been effectively frozen for over a decade due to political tensions.
The timing of the decision could align with the changing leadership at the International Cricket Council (ICC). BCCI secretary Jay Shah, who is set to take over as the ICC chairman in December 2024, will play a significant role in shaping the tournament’s outcome. “With Jay Shah stepping in as ICC chair, there’s a lot of cricketing geopolitics at play. But I think they’ll find a way, they have to,” said Thompson.
Richard Gould, CEO of the ECB, echoed Thompson’s sentiments, stressing the importance of both India and Pakistan’s participation for the commercial viability of the tournament. “If you play the Champions Trophy without India or Pakistan, the broadcast rights simply aren’t there, and we need to protect that aspect of the sport,” Gould remarked. “Pakistan is the host nation, and we’re all eagerly awaiting India’s decision. The future of the tournament hinges on that.” (PTI)