Amid India-Pakistan standoff for Champions Trophy, ICC faces serious legal threat

The future of the 2025 Champions Trophy is uncertain. There has been no progress since the BCCI informed the International Cricket Council (ICC) that it will not be sending Indian cricket to Pakistan, the designated hosts, for the Champions Trophy. Following this announcement, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) sought a written explanation from the ICC regarding the participation status of various teams. He also stated that the hybrid model (where some matches would be played at a neutral site) was unacceptable to him.

In the midst of this report in Cricket Pakistan stated that the announcement of the Champions Trophy schedule had been stopped due to the current standoff. While India does not want to tour Pakistan, the latter does not want to play any match at a neutral venue.

Citing sources, the report said that broadcasters and commercial partners are “adamant” about the India-Pakistan match being included in the Champions Trophy schedule. The report also claims that broadcasters have hinted that they will take legal action if there is no India-Pakistan match in the Champions Trophy.

Since India is reluctant to send its team across the border due to security concerns, the onus is on the ICC to help boards find a middle ground. After PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi reiterated his stance against the hybrid model, reports emerged that Pakistan was being pressured through back channels to soften its approach.

According to multiple reports, some top cricket administrators in the ICC have asked the PCB to adopt a hybrid model as a stubborn stance on the issue could lead to huge financial consequences.

It is no secret that Indian cricket remains a revenue driver at the international level. If India does not participate in the ICC Champions Trophy, the tournament will become a loss-making event. The ICC is also likely to announce the Champions Trophy schedule in the coming days.