Pakistan might withdraw from Champions Trophy 2025 if hosting rights taken away due to India’s refusal to travel: Report

With India confirming that they will not be traveling to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy early next year, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has also remained firm on its stance of the tournament taking place entirely in the country and ruled out the possibility of a ‘Hybrid Model’.

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According to a report on Dawn, the PCB is also considering the possibility of withdrawing from the tournament altogether if the ICC does end up moving the tournament out of Pakistan to a neutral venue. The BCCI had earlier indicated that India would play its matches in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) under the ‘Hybrid Model’, in which the final would also likely be hosted in Dubai if the Men in Blue were to qualify.

“In such a case, one of the options the government is mul­ling is that of asking the PCB to ensure Pakistan don’t participate in the Champions Trophy,” a source was quoted as saying according to the Pakistani daily.

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PCB, which is currently lead by Pakistan Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, has approached the Shehbaz Sharif-led government for advice following India’s refusal to visit their neighbouring country. Naqvi had recently stated that Pakistan should not be expected to “carry on with their good gestures” and that India should also return the favour at some point.

Last year’s Asia Cup, which had taken place in the 50-over format, was originally scheduled to take place entirely in Pakistan, only for a majority of the matches including those involving India and the final taking place in Sri Lanka. Pakistan, however, sent its team to India for the ICC World Cup that took place right after despite its initial reluctance.

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The Pakistan government, however, is expected to advise the PCB to refuse playing against India in ICC events and Asia Cups as well if the Men in Blue don’t play their Champions Trophy games in Pakistan.