NEW DELHI: Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has described the standoff between the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) over the 2025 Champions Trophy as a clash of politics and sports. He highlighted how the situation raises concerns about fairness and the governance of international cricket.
Afridi voiced his concerns on social media, urging the ICC to uphold fairness and assert its authority amid the escalating tensions.
Afridi criticized the BCCI’s stance, noting Pakistan’s past willingness to tour India despite significant security concerns and political strife, and expressed support for the PCB’s rejection of a proposed hybrid hosting model.
“By intertwining politics with sports, the BCCI has placed international cricket in a precarious position. Fully support the PCB’s stance against the hybrid model – especially since Pakistan (despite security concerns) has toured India five times, including a bilateral white-ball series, post-26/11. It’s time for the ICC and its Board of Directors to uphold fairness and assert their authority,” Afridi wrote on X.
The conflict stems from India’s refusal to play matches in Pakistan, citing longstanding security concerns following the 2008 Mumbai attacks.
The PCB, firm on hosting the event in Pakistan, has dismissed proposals to split matches between Pakistan and the UAE.
This disagreement has left the ICC in a precarious position, with broadcasters like Jio Star pressuring for a resolution due to delays in the tournament schedule.
The hybrid model, potentially hosting the group stages in the UAE and knockout matches in Pakistan, seems the most viable compromise.
However, if India progress to the knockouts, further venue adjustments might be necessary, creating additional logistical and political challenges.
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The Champions Trophy, a marquee ICC event, heavily depends on the financial and viewership draw of an India-Pakistan clash, a match broadcasters deem crucial for the tournament’s success.
Simultaneously, any withdrawal or boycott by the PCB could strain Pakistan cricket’s financial health, already fragile due to limited bilateral series and reduced international exposure.
As the ICC Board of Directors prepares to meet on Friday, the global cricketing community awaits a resolution that balances the interests of all stakeholders.