Champions Trophy broadcasters emphasize India's essential role; PCB absent from hybrid model discussions

Champions Trophy broadcasters emphasize India's essential role; PCB absent from hybrid model discussions

12 days ago | 5 Views

The anticipation for the Champions Trophy 2025 schedule has been extended, as the ICC's board meeting with broadcasters Star Sports has been rescheduled to Saturday, according to reports from news agency PTI. This meeting, originally set for Thursday, was intended to serve as a forum for all member representatives to unite in support of the 'Hybrid Model' under the leadership of newly-elected ICC chair Jay Shah.

Devajit Lon Saikia, the joint secretary of the BCCI, represented India during the Board of Directors meeting. Notably, representatives from England and Wales Cricket, Cricket Australia, and Cricket West Indies were not present in person, and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) was also absent.

Hybrid Model Likely Conclusion for Champions Trophy

Reports suggest that the ICC Board members are likely to largely reject the Pakistan Cricket Board's proposals for a hybrid model, with no assurances being made regarding the organization of future ICC events in India under this format.

The sole possible benefit for the PCB may arise in the form of increased financial compensation. Broadcasters have already expressed in writing that a Champions Trophy without the participation of India is not feasible, emphasizing the necessity of an Indo-Pak group league match due to the substantial revenue it generates.

On the same day, former BCCI secretary Jay Shah made his inaugural visit to the ICC headquarters as the chairperson of the global organization. Shah engaged with the Board of Directors, which included representatives such as Bangladesh's Faruque Ahmed, New Zealand's Roger Twose, ICC chief executive officer Geoff Allardice, deputy chair Imran Khwaja, Zimbabwe's Tavengwa Mukuhlani, UAE's Mubashshir Usmani, Sri Lanka's Shammi Silva, Dr. Mohammed Abdul Samad Moosajee from South Africa, and Malaysia's Mahinda Vallipuram. All were present in Dubai.

The Champions Trophy is scheduled to be held in Pakistan between January and March. However, the tournament's schedule remains unfinalized following the BCCI's notification to the ICC regarding the Indian government's reluctance to send their cricket team to Pakistan due to security concerns. The BCCI proposed a 'Hybrid Model' that would have seen India's matches played in the UAE, but this proposal was rejected by the PCB.

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