- PCB stands agency on its determination towards accepting hybrid mannequin.
- Broadcasters refuse to simply accept schedule with out Pak-India match.
- ICC attempting to resolve challenge earlier than Jay Shah takes cost as chairman.
LAHORE: The paradox surrounding the Worldwide Cricket Council’s (ICC) Champions Trophy 2025 is anticipated to linger on because of the chance of a delay within the announcement of the schedule for the mega-event, sources advised Geo Information on Wednesday.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), the sources added, was not backing from its stance towards a hybrid mannequin for the match and subsequently it’s unlikely that the occasion’s schedule will likely be introduced within the subsequent 24 hours.
The event comes because the highly-anticipated match — set to be hosted by Pakistan in February-March subsequent yr — has seen the PCB coming at odds with the Board of Management for Cricket in India (BCCI) over the latter’s obvious refusal to go to Pakistan.
The ICC has formally demanded a written clarification from the BCCI over its refusal after the PCB requested the ICC to supply a replica of India’s written response concerning the choice towards attending the mega-event.
The Indian board had beforehand verbally communicated its determination towards its participation to the worldwide cricketing physique.
Other than the PCB’s stance, the refusal of broadcasters and industrial companions to simply accept a schedule that doesn’t characteristic a Pakistan-India match — which brings vital eyes and subsequently generates beneficial income — has additionally added to the ICC’s woes.
Moreover, additionally they have warned of authorized motion if the match doesn’t embrace a contest between the arch-rivals.
The sources say that the announcement of the schedule will likely be doable in a few days if the stakeholders present flexibility.
Stakeholders are in favour of holding the occasion with mutual consensus, they added.
In the meantime, the worldwide cricketing physique is striving to give you an answer earlier than BCCI Secretary Jay Shah takes cost as ICC Chairman on December 1.
It’s pertinent to say that in recent times, the ICC has made positive that India play Pakistan no less than as soon as in every of the worldwide cricketing occasions, making certain a significant chunk of income from this sport.
The match between arch-rivals on the 2023 World Cup drew unprecedented curiosity, with 173 million viewers on Indian TV and 225 million digital viewers.
The ICC, which secured $3.2 billion from broadcast rights for the 2024-2027 cycle and anticipates $1 billion extra in different income, depends closely on marquee occasions that includes Pakistan and India.
It’s to be famous that India has not performed a world match in Pakistan since 2008. Final yr, the BCCI declined to ship a staff to Pakistan for the Asia Cup, resulting in a hybrid format with later phases held in Sri Lanka.
Nevertheless, Pakistan did go to India quickly after for the 2023 ODI World Cup.
