In what comes as a big news for Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) amidst the dilemma over the Champions Trophy, an ICC delegation reportedly will visit the country soon to assess the preparations for the showpiece event. Pakistan are set to host the Champions Trophy in February – March 2025, however, given BCCI's unclear stance, there could be a possibility that the tournament may be played in a hybrid model.
The BCCI have raised concerns about touring the country for the Champions Trophy due to security reasons. It's an ICC tournament and the apex body will have a final say on the venue but the recent election of Jay Shah as ICC Chairman has put the ball in BCCI's court. Jay Shah could stay neutral and allow Pakistan to host the tournament, however, India would need permission from the government to tour Pakistan.
Neither ICC nor PCB would want to play the tournament without India as it would result in heavy financial loss so there could be a possibility that PCB may agree to play the tournament in a hybrid model, with most matches in Pakistan but India’s matches and playoffs outside the country. However, PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi is firm that the tournament will be played in Pakistan. At the moment, there is a lot of suspense over the issue and a clear picture will be out after the ICC delegation visit.
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A similar situation arrived in 2022 when Pakistan were set to host the Asia Cup but the tournament was played in a hybrid model after India's refusal. PCB chief Ramiz Raja was firm on hosting the tournament fully in Pakistan but the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), headed by Jay Shah, forced the tournament out of Pakistan. Would it be the same for the Champions Trophy? There are no clear answers yet.
Meanwhile, Pakistan could see the ICC delegation visit as a positive step towards their quest to host the Champions Trophy. It could be a sign that ICC don't have second thoughts about staging the tournament in Pakistan. If that is the case, PCB's only worry will be to convince India to tour Pakistan but that will be a big task. The schedule and ticket details for the Champions Trophy could be out soon after the ICC delegation visit.
"Right after the ICC delegation's visit, we are hopeful that the schedule and ticket details will be announced," the source told India Today's sister channel Aaj Tak. "The process has already been delayed, so we expect ICC to make the announcement soon."