The fate of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 took another turn as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) conveyed its final decision to the International Cricket Council (ICC) regarding its stance on the merger model for next year’s prestigious tournament. .
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is said to have made it clear that it will not back down from its stance regarding the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 as if India does not play in Pakistan then it will not cross the border for the events either. of the ICC.
ICC Champions Trophy 2025 faces uncertainty as PCB refuses to back down
According to a report by Cricket Pakistan, the PCB confirmed that they will not bow to India, so the final decision now lies with the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
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After India refused to play the Champions Trophy in Pakistan, the PCB proposed a ‘merger model’ for matches between India and Pakistan along with some other demands to accept the hybrid model for next year’s eight-nation ODI tournament. .
Under the proposed “merger model”, Pakistan and India will face each other at neutral venues in all ICC events for the next three years. And now the PCB has maintained a firm stance on this decision, refusing to compromise after the BCCI refused to accept this demand.
PCB wants India to accept ‘merger model’ for ICC events
Earlier, media reports claimed that the BCCI had agreed on the Fusion model for the Champions Trophy 2025, but they are not ready to follow the same agreement for Pakistan for the ICC event in India. After that, the Pakistani board decided to stand by their decision not to play in India.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s group matches in ICC events hosted by India could be played at neutral venues. However, if Pakistan advances to the semi-finals or final, the Men in Green will have to play in India.
Furthermore, it is also said that if Pakistan decides to boycott ICC events in India, the ICC and broadcasters will take legal action against the PCB.
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Pakistan’s board subsequently proposed a “merger model” for ICC events scheduled in India over the next three years, including the Champions Trophy. The model suggested that if India refuses to play in Pakistan, Pakistan will also not send its team to India.
The PCB has made it clear that it is firm in its position and prioritizes its principles in these negotiations, so there will be no turning back.
Pakistan in talks with ICC over Champions Trophy deadlock in Dubai
According to reports in the Times of Karachi, senior officials of the Pakistan Cricket Board are currently in Dubai, participating in meetings with the International Cricket Council regarding preparations for the 2025 Champions Trophy.
These discussions are taking place at executive level, and the PCB strongly supports their proposed “merger model.”
In particular, PCB could face financial losses, legal action and damage to its international relations if it decided to withdraw from the Champions Trophy 2025 due to a deadlock over the merger model.