Pakistan caught in dilemma; either give 'yes nod' or withdraw

DUBAI: The curtain fell on the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 hosted by Pakistan at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Rohit Sharma-led Indian team won the title defeating New Zealand by four wickets in the final.

Hosting an ICC tournament after 29 years had its share of gloom for Pakistan as the team got eliminated without winning a single match. The humiliation at home turf has raised questions, putting the Pakistan cricket board in a pickle.

As per the earlier made pact with ICC, Pakistan agreed to shift venue to Dubai if India qualifies for the finals. It was no surprise that Pakistan backed Aussies in the semifinal against India, but their support had more vigor this time as the PCB wanted the final to be held in Pakistan. Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore would have been the venue for the final if India were eliminated.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) renovated Lahore, Karachi and Rawalpindi stadiums for the Champions Trophy by splashing crores, only to see the final shifting to Dubai and India winning the title. It was after long debate and discussion that Pakistan gave in to the hybrid model suggested by BCCI.

When BCCI put forward the idea of a ​​hybrid model, Pakistan confirmed that they would not allow their players to travel to India for future ICC events.

Next year's Twenty20 World Cup will be held in India and Sri Lanka. Pakistan is likely to play their matches in Sri Lanka, but what if the green army qualifies for the final?

BCCI will not relent on changing the final venue from India. This discussion is now abuzz on cricket groups across social media. When India showed reluctance to participate in the ICC tournament held in Pakistan, PCB wanted India to be thrown out of the event and rather add another team from the list.

An ICC tournament without India would be like a music concert without the leading vocalist. Sponsorship would be hit, while the stadiums will be partially filled. The television rights and hosting fee would also land in a mess. ICC would not risk any such moves that would dampen their business prospects.

This has now left Pakistan in a dilemma. PCB would have to make their stance clear in the coming days. Either give consent to play for the ICC T20 tournament in India, or withdraw citing moral high grounds.