The International Cricket Council (ICC) has granted approval to the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) request to prevent countries from using security concerns as an excuse to avoid participating in the 2025 Champions Trophy in Pakistan. This decision follows objections raised by the previous management committee based on documents from the ICC, prompting consultations with senior lawyers.
Despite ICC Chairman Greg Barclay and CEO Geoff Allardice’s visit to Pakistan in May, the issue remained unresolved until now. Pakistan’s stance involved seeking an assessment from an independent security agency if any country cited security grounds for not sending a team.
While current plans focus on hosting matches within Pakistan, concerns arise regarding the potential reluctance of the Indian government to allow the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to send the Indian team to Pakistan. If India decides against sending their team, there’s a possibility of relocating some matches to the UAE, with the ICC covering additional expenses and potential adjustments to the tournament format.
PCB management committee head Zaka Ashraf met with Khalid Al Zarooni, Vice Chairman of the Emirates Cricket Board, though the Champions Trophy was not specifically discussed. Despite this, the UAE has expressed cooperation with Pakistan.
Although the ICC had previously awarded hosting rights to Pakistan, the formal agreement was signed in Dubai after a prolonged deadlock. Zaka Ashraf, accompanied by ICC General Counsel Jonathan Hall, signed the agreement at the ICC headquarters.
The PCB has informed the government about the necessity for robust security measures for visiting teams. Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar, in a recent meeting, assured cooperation from security agencies to ensure the successful hosting of the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025. The developments underscore the complexities of international cricket events, intertwining sports, security, and diplomatic considerations.
