The fate of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 met with another twist as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) conveyed their final decision to the International Cricket Council (ICC) regarding their stance on the fusion model for next year’s prestigious tournament.
It is being said that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has made it clear that it will not back down on its stance regarding the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 as if India does not play in Pakistan, then they will not also cross the border for the ICC events.
ICC Champions Trophy 2025 faces uncertainty as PCB refuses to back down
According to a report by Cricket Pakistan, the PCB confirmed that they will not bow down to India, so the final decision now lies with the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
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After India refused to play Champions Trophy in Pakistan, the PCB proposed a “fusion model” for the India-Pakistan matches along with some other demands to accept the hybrid model for next year’s eight-nation ODI tournament.
According to the proposed “Fusion Model,” Pakistan and India will face each other at neutral venues in all ICC events for the next three years. And now the PCB has maintained a firm stance on this decision, refusing to make a compromise after the BCCI denied the acceptance of this demand.
PCB wants India to accept “Fusion Model” for ICC events
Earlier, media reports claimed that the BCCI had agreed to the Fusion Model for the Champions Trophy 2025, but they are not ready to follow the same arrangement for Pakistan for the ICC event in India. After that, the Pakistani board decided to stick with their decision not to play in India.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s group-stage matches in the ICC events hosted by India could be played at neutral venues. However, if Pakistan advances to the semifinals or finals, the Men in Green will have to play in India.
Furthermore, it is also being said that if Pakistan decides to boycott ICC events in India, the ICC and the broadcasters will take legal action against the PCB.
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Later, the Pakistan board proposed a “Fusion Model” for ICC events scheduled in India over the next three years, including the Champions Trophy. The model suggested that if India refuses to play in Pakistan, Pakistan will also not send its team to India.
The PCB has made it clear that they are firm in its stance and prioritizes its principles in these negotiations, so there will be no backing down.
Pakistan in discussion with ICC over Champions Trophy deadlock in Dubai
According to reports from the Times of Karachi, senior officials from the Pakistan Cricket Board are currently in Dubai, engaging in meetings with the International Cricket Council about the arrangements for the Champions Trophy 2025.
These discussions are taking place at the executive level, with the PCB strongly backing their proposed “fusion model.”.
Notably, PCB could face financial losses, legal action, and damage to its international relations if it decided to withdraw from the Champions Trophy 2025 due to a deadlock over the fusion model.