Cricket

The ICC Champions Trophy venue saga has taken a dramatic turn with India's refusal to travel to Pakistan for the tournament. Pakistan remains adamant about hosting the entire event in the country, while India insists on a hybrid model for its matches.The financial implications of an India-Pakistan match extend beyond the two nations, impacting the global cricketing ecosystem. The International Cricket Council (ICC) relies heavily on revenue generated from such high-profile events to distribute shares to its member boards.Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali believes a hybrid model is the only viable solution to ensure India and Pakistan participate in the Champions Trophy. "If cricket is to continue and the hybrid model is to be maintained, place Pakistan in one pool and India in the other," Ali said on his YouTube channel.Ali criticized the notion that rivalries like India vs. Australia or The Ashes are comparable to India vs. Pakistan matches. "The world is foolish (duniya bewakoof hai) to say that The Ashes is amazing or that the India-Australia series is amazing; it's not like that," he asserted.Ali emphasized the financial significance of India-Pakistan matches for the survival of cricket. "As long as cricket is being played and Pakistan-India matches are happening, there will be money; otherwise, there won't be," he said.The ICC is facing a dilemma as it attempts to balance the demands of both India and Pakistan. A hybrid model would allow India to play its matches at a neutral venue, while Pakistan would host the remaining fixtures. However, such a compromise could potentially reduce revenue for the ICC and broadcasters.The outcome of the venue negotiations will have a significant impact on the future of the Champions Trophy and the broader cricketing landscape. The ICC must carefully consider the financial implications and the importance of India-Pakistan matches in maintaining the sport's global appeal.

Former Pakistani cricketer Shahid Afridi has expressed his disappointment over India's decision not to participate in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan. Afridi believes that cricket should be prioritized over political differences and that the sport should bring people together.Afridi took to social media to share his thoughts, stating that cricket is facing one of its greatest challenges since the late 1970s. He emphasized the need to put aside differences and let the game unite everyone. Afridi pointed out that countries once divided by history can come together in the Olympic spirit, and the same should be possible for cricket.As stewards of the game, Afridi believes that it is the responsibility of those involved in cricket to keep egos in check and focus on its growth and spirit. He expressed his hope that every team would participate in the Champions Trophy in Pakistan and experience the country's warmth and hospitality.The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed that India had communicated its decision to the ICC, stating their unwillingness to travel to Pakistan for the tournament. This decision continues a trend of India not sending its cricket team to Pakistan. The last time the Indian team visited Pakistan was in 2008 for the Asia Cup.The PCB had previously stated that it would not accept a "Hybrid Model" for the Champions Trophy, which would have involved some matches being played in Pakistan and others in a neutral venue. This development has left the ICC with the task of determining the tournament's schedule and venue.Afridi's comments highlight the importance of cricket as a unifying force and the need to prioritize the sport over political considerations. He believes that the Champions Trophy should be an opportunity for all teams to come together and celebrate the spirit of cricket.

The ICC Champions Trophy, scheduled for 2025, faces an uncertain future as the impasse between the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) continues. The BCCI has informed the International Cricket Council (ICC) of the Indian government's decision to not send its team to Pakistan due to security concerns.Pakistan, however, remains adamant about hosting the entire tournament within its borders, having won the rights to do so. The PCB has sought assistance from the Pakistan government, which has reportedly refused to allow any games to be moved outside the country."We have been told by our government not to move any game out of Pakistan, and that will be our stand when the time comes," a PCB official told the Indian Express on condition of anonymity.Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali confirmed the government's stance, stating that the PCB has been barred from accepting a hybrid model that would involve some matches being played in a neutral venue.With Pakistan determined to host the entire event at home and India unwilling to cross the border, the Champions Trophy's fate hangs in the balance. Earlier reports suggested that the tournament could be shifted to South Africa if no common ground is reached, but Pakistan is unlikely to participate in such a scenario.Some have proposed holding the tournament without either India or Pakistan, but such a compromise would have a significant financial impact on the ICC and its revenue streams. India vs Pakistan cricket matches are a major revenue generator for both boards and the ICC.The ICC is facing a difficult decision as it tries to balance the security concerns of the Indian government with Pakistan's hosting rights. The tournament's future remains uncertain until a compromise can be reached between the two cricketing giants.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) faces a dilemma over the hosting of the ICC Champions Trophy next year, as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has expressed security concerns and declined to send the Indian team to Pakistan. In response, the PCB has threatened to withdraw from the tournament, potentially jeopardizing its hosting rights.The ICC is reportedly considering South Africa as an alternative host if Pakistan does not agree to a hybrid model, where India's matches would be played in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the final in Dubai. However, the PCB remains adamant about hosting the entire tournament in Pakistan.The BCCI has stated that it is willing to accept a hybrid model only if the final is held in Dubai. The ICC has offered the PCB full hosting fees and a majority of the matches if it agrees to the hybrid model.Despite the risks involved, the PCB is reluctant to implement a hybrid model. It is expected to consult with the government before making a decision.The ICC has also informed the PCB that the entire tournament could be shifted to South Africa if it decides to pull out. The PCB is currently assessing the situation and has not yet made a decision on its next step.

India's refusal to travel to Pakistan for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy has sparked a diplomatic row between the two nations. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has informed the International Cricket Council (ICC) and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) of its decision, citing security concerns.This is not the first time that India has declined to play in Pakistan due to safety issues. In 1996, Australia and West Indies refused to play their matches in Sri Lanka during the ODI World Cup due to a terrorist attack in Colombo. Sri Lanka offered maximum security, but the teams remained adamant, leading to Sri Lanka automatically qualifying for the quarter-finals.Pakistan has responded to India's decision by threatening to withdraw from the Champions Trophy if it is moved to a hybrid model. The tournament was originally scheduled to be held entirely in Pakistan, but the ICC is considering moving some matches to a neutral venue due to India's stance.The ICC faces a dilemma as it tries to balance the security concerns of India with the desire to host the tournament in Pakistan. The global body has previously determined that Pakistan is safe to host international cricket, but India's refusal to travel has cast doubt on that assessment.The situation is further complicated by the political tensions between India and Pakistan. The two countries have a long history of conflict, and cricket has often been used as a diplomatic tool. India's decision to boycott Pakistan is likely to further strain relations between the two nations.The ICC is expected to make a final decision on the venue for the Champions Trophy in the coming weeks. If the tournament is moved to a hybrid model, it will be a major blow to Pakistan's hopes of hosting a major ICC event.

Mohammad Nabi, the former Afghanistan skipper, has expressed his desire to participate in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy, scheduled for next year in Pakistan. The 39-year-old played a pivotal role in Afghanistan's 2-1 series victory over Bangladesh in Sharjah, contributing 135 runs and two wickets.Nabi's performance in the series, including a crucial 34* in the final match, helped Afghanistan chase down Bangladesh's total of 244/8 with just 10 deliveries remaining. His valuable contributions and experience were instrumental in the team's success.Despite being in the twilight of his international career, Nabi is determined to make the Champions Trophy his final chance to win an ICC trophy. "In my mind from the last (50-over) World Cup, I thought of retiring, but if I can play one Champions Trophy, it will be great for me," Nabi said. "Just small contributions from my side to the youngsters and my insight to them will be more useful."Afghanistan's recent performances in the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup and ICC Men's T20 World Cup have established them as one of the most exciting white-ball teams globally. Nabi's experience and leadership will be invaluable to the team as they aim to make a mark in the Champions Trophy.Before the Champions Trophy, Afghanistan will embark on a multi-format tour of Zimbabwe, including three T20Is, three ODIs, and two Test matches in Bulawayo. These matches will provide the team with an opportunity to fine-tune their preparations and build momentum ahead of the major tournament.

Pakistan's participation in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy is in jeopardy following India's refusal to travel to the country for the tournament. According to sources within the Pakistan government, the country may withdraw from the event if its hosting rights are revoked.The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has expressed its intention to seek clarification from the ICC regarding the hosting arrangements. The PCB has only been informed of India's decision not to participate but has not received any official communication about a potential hybrid model.Under a hybrid model, India's matches would be played in a neutral venue while other matches would be held in Pakistan. This approach was adopted during the Asia Cup last year.The PCB is awaiting policy guidelines from the government regarding its stance on India. The government's decision will be cited in the PCB's request for clarification from the ICC.The PCB source emphasized that the ICC could face legal implications if the Pakistan government decides to take a tough stance on cricket relations with India.The situation remains fluid, and the PCB is in consultation with the government to determine its next steps.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has confirmed that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has informed the International Cricket Council (ICC) of its unwillingness to travel to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy, scheduled for February-March 2025.The PCB received an email from the ICC stating that the BCCI had communicated its decision not to travel to Pakistan for the tournament. The PCB has forwarded the email to the Government of Pakistan for advice and guidance.PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi had previously stated that Pakistan would unveil its policy once it received something in writing from the ICC. The BCCI had earlier intimated the ICC about India's inability to travel to Pakistan, leaving the PCB with no option but to organize the Champions Trophy in a 'Hybrid Model.' However, Naqvi had also said that the 'Hybrid Model' was unacceptable to Pakistan.India has not sent its cricket team to Pakistan since 2008 when they last participated in the Asia Cup under Mahendra Singh Dhoni's captaincy. Pakistan has toured India for a bilateral white-ball series in 2012-13, the T20 World Cup in 2016, and the 50-over World Cup last year.As reported earlier, India will play all its matches in Dubai, and the high-profile India vs. Pakistan tie will also be held in the UAE. A BCCI source had earlier stated that the ICC would inform the host nation about the development and then finalize the tournament schedule.Dubai is the preferred location for India's matches due to its high stadium capacity and well-established infrastructure, as demonstrated during the recent Women's T20 World Cup. Last year, the Asia Cup, hosted by Pakistan, had to be held in a 'Hybrid Model' after India refused to tour the country.

Pakistan cricket legend Rashid Latif has strongly condemned reports that India may refuse to play in Pakistan for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. Latif emphasized that ICC tournament commitments are binding and questioned the validity of security concerns, citing the recent successful tours of Australia, New Zealand, England, and South Africa to Pakistan.Latif argued that a refusal to participate would require a "solid reason" under ICC regulations, similar to the specific threats that prompted West Indies and Australia to skip matches in Sri Lanka during the 1996 World Cup. He warned that if Pakistan were to reciprocate India's stance by opting out of ICC events, it would severely impact the ICC's relevance and viewership.PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi echoed Latif's sentiments, expressing disappointment over India's reported stance and emphasizing the tournament's potential to strengthen regional cricket ties. Naqvi stated that the PCB would only accept India's absence if it was provided in writing with clear reasons.Meanwhile, TimesofIndia.com reported that the BCCI has requested matches be played at a neutral venue, with Dubai being the leading option. Sources indicate that the BCCI has already conveyed its concerns to the PCB and other ICC stakeholders.Latif's comments highlight the importance of adhering to ICC commitments and the potential consequences of political interference in cricket. The PCB's stance underscores its determination to host the Champions Trophy successfully and its belief that politics should not overshadow the sport. The BCCI's request for a neutral venue raises questions about the future of ICC events in Pakistan and the impact it could have on the development of cricket in the region.