 "Due to India's financial influence, it's a certain that Champions Trophy 2025 will be hosted in a hybrid model. Image: Reuters")
Amid ongoing uncertainty surrounding the Champions Trophy 2025 schedule, a note from the broadcaster to the International Cricket Council (ICC) highlights the significant financial impact of excluding the Indian cricket team from the tournament. Team India commands the highest popularity among fans and also generates the biggest revenue for the ICC. However, due to security concerns, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has said that the Men in Blue will not be travelling to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy 2025.
Many expected the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to agree to a hybrid model which they followed during the Asia Cup 2023 and India could have played their matches at a neutral venue. But Pakistan have refused to accept the hybrid model which has put the Champions Trophy 2025 in limbo. The ICC was expected to announce the schedule of the tournament with at least 90 days to go , however, that deadline is long gone.
The ICC is now busy sorting things out and it has also been reported that they have given an ultimatum to the PCB that they will have to accept a hybrid model or the Champions Trophy 2025 can be taken entirely out of Pakistan. The PCB reportedly is ready to accept the hybrid model but with a few conditions including giving them the same option when ICC events are hosted in India .
The BCCI has objected to the PCB’s demand. It looks highly unlikely that the ICC will accept those demands except to pay the PCB extra compensation for India matches that are hosted outside Pakistan.
Impact Shorts
View AllStar India’s note clarifies it’s advantage BCCI in Champions Trophy tussle
Amid all the drama, a note from broadcaster Star India, that was sent to ICC a couple of months ago, has emerged in the media. The note gives the exact picture of why Team India is integral to any ICC tournament and why it’s highly likely that if ICC is forced to choose it will go with the BCCI.
As per a report in the Time of India, the note from Star India stated that the overall value of the Champions Trophy’s media rights is US$750m and if India pull out of the tournament then the ICC members will lose 90% of the US$750m while Pakistan’s absence will only result in a 10% loss.
“The ICC is well within its rights to shift the tournament to any country as long as it is in the best interests of the property (read: Champions Trophy). The decision is not so complicated as it is being made to look,” an industry source told the newspaper.
Remember, the last time ICC sold the media rights, it auctioned the Indian market separately and this alone accounts for 90% of their global share.
Such massive financial influence will certainly force ICC to make a decision that favours BCCI and the Indian cricket team in the next board meeting over the Champions Trophy 2025 schedule.