The International Cricket Council (ICC) is expected to make an announcement about the Champions Trophy 2025 schedule today. According to multiple reports, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has accepted the ‘hybrid’ concept but has insisted that it be used when India hosts ICC events. There has already been a delay due to PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi’s tough attitude in the face of ICC pressure.

PCB faces losses, lawsuits and alienation if it withdraws its team from the Champions Trophy

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) could face revenue losses, lawsuits and risk alienation from the cricket world if it decides to withdraw from the ICC Champions Trophy as deadlock persists with governing body ICC over the mode of organising the 50-over event scheduled in February-March.

A senior cricket administrator who is well versed with the organisation ICC events told PTI on Wednesday that it would not be a easy decision for the PCB to not play in the Champions Trophy if their Hybrid Model formula is not accepted in entirety by the ICC and Board of Control for Cricket in India.

Last week, the ICC reached a consensus to conduct next year’s Champions Trophy in a hybrid model, allowing India to play its share of matches in Dubai while agreeing “in principle” to a similar arrangement in multi-lateral events till 2027. However, a formal announcement is awaited.

As part of the broadcasting deal, at least one Pakistan and India match has to be scheduled in all ICC events, said the administrator.

He said that besides lawsuits the Pakistan board also faces the risk of alienation as other boards currently are not supporting the PCB on their Hybrid Model formula.

The administrator also disclosed that the PCB unfortunately didn’t have solid support from other members on the executive board and even the ICC management didn’t give them the respect they deserved.

He added that the PCB had raised this issue of whether India will send its team to Pakistan with the ICC several times after getting hosting rights.

(PTI)