The England and Wales Cricket Board has underlined the importance of India in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 to be held in Pakistan and outlined the possible financial losses should India not participate in the event. Speaking to the press, ECB Chairman Richard Thompson mentioned the financial repercussions of India’s absence: “Cricket cannot afford to lose its broadcasting rights, and the Champions Trophy without India would not be in the best interest of the sport.”
Thompson said a hybrid model, which would allow India to play their matches outside Pakistan, is being considered in case the BCCI refused to send their team. He added that the final call on this model will be taken by Jay Shah, who will take over as the new ICC CEO and BCCI Secretary.
ECB not in favor of Champions Trophy without India
Backing Thompson’s stance, ECB CEO Richard Gould acknowledged the growing security concerns whenever India and Pakistan face off, but he underlined the sizeable financial stakes involved. “Whenever Pakistan and India play, tensions escalate, but the broadcasting rights for such matches are monumental,” Gould said.
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is scheduled in the February-March window of next year in Pakistan, and India’s participation in it has been in doubt. Media reports from India hint at BCCI not sending its team, pending approval from the Indian government.
India has not visited Pakistan since the 2008 Asia Cup because of political tensions between the two nations. However, Pakistan has visited India four times in the last 16 years, the most recent one being during the ICC Men’s World Cup 2023.
Given that the Champions Trophy is a marquee event, all stakeholders want India to be involved in the event either directly or via the proposed hybrid model for the greater good of global cricket.
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