ECB Threatens ICC, PCB Over India's Absence in Champions Trophy 2025
Author: Vishnu Reddy
Updated At:
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has sent a firm message to the International Cricket Council (ICC) regarding the ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan ahead of the 2025 Champions Trophy.
ECB chief Richard Thompson emphasized that India's participation is crucial for both the tournament and its broadcast appeal. With political tensions between India and Pakistan clouding the event, there's uncertainty over whether India will travel to Pakistan for the tournament. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is reportedly pushing for a hybrid model, allowing India to play their matches outside of Pakistan.
Thompson stressed that India's absence would negatively impact cricket as a whole, particularly in terms of broadcast rights. “If India doesn’t play in the Champions Trophy, it’s bad for cricket and for broadcasters,” Thompson stated. The ECB chief is hopeful that the situation will be resolved, especially with Jay Shah, the current BCCI secretary, set to take over as the new ICC chairman.
PCB Optimistic About India's Participation, Despite Tensions
The 2025 Champions Trophy is scheduled to begin on February 19, with the final on March 9. The matches are planned to take place in Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has already begun upgrading these venues in preparation. The PCB remains optimistic that India will participate, proposing a schedule where India plays all its matches in Lahore.
Thompson expressed confidence that Shah’s new role in the ICC would be pivotal in finding a resolution. "It wouldn't be in cricket’s best interest for India to miss out. With Jay Shah as the new ICC chairman, there’s hope that a solution will be found. There’s politics, and then there’s cricket geopolitics – and a way must be found,” he remarked in an interview with ESPNcricinfo.
As tensions between India and Pakistan continue, the cricketing world awaits a resolution that will ensure the Champions Trophy's success with all teams, including India, participating. and this also changes the dynamics of the betting odds offered by the top Indian bookmakers.
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