Champions Trophy 2025: PCB raises concerns to Cricket Governing Body; demands financial guarantees if India refuses to visit Pakistan 

PCB Chairman Najam Sethi (Source: Twitter)

After months of negotiations and uncertainty, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has finally approved the Pakistan Cricket Board‘s (PCB) hybrid model of hosting the tournament. However, it is still unclear whether India will travel to Pakistan for the ODI World Cup later this year after the Indian Cricket Board refused to allow its men to tour Pakistan for the Asia Cup and 2025 Champions Trophy.

While India's governing body is not ready to change its stance, the PCB has sought a financial guarantee from the Cricket Governing Body, sparking a fresh dispute. The cricket governing body officials are in talks with the PCB to mitigate the financial fallout and have yet to respond.

Last month, board Chairman Greg Barclay and CEO Geoff Allardice visited Pakistan to sign the hosting deal, but  PCB refused to do so without any financial guarantees if Indian players don't come to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy. PCB demands that either India guarantee the trip to Pakistan or the governing body is ready to cover the loss without the IND vs PAK match.

The agreement will be signed only once all concerns are resolved

According to reports, PCB has sent a letter to the Cricket Governing Body outlining many issues, including India may withdraw from the Champions Trophy, India may seek a neutral venue or a hybrid model, and queries surrounding the financial implications if India pulls out from the competition. The contract is on hold and will only be signed once all concerns are resolved. PCB has also sought the advice of lawyers on signing the contract.

Notably, PCB will receive financial compensation from the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) after India refused to travel to Pakistan for the upcoming Asia Cup. Pakistan will host four matches, and Sri Lanka will host the remaining matches, including the high-voltage IND vs PAK clash. The ACC rejected PCB's demand after other Asian teams sided with India.