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As the BCCI-PCB impasse persists, the ICC threatened legal action and said that there will be no Champions Trophy without IND vs. PAK

Arpita Kushwaha November 20, 2024 04:27 PM

The BCCI’s decision to not send Team India to Pakistan has put the ICC Champion Trophy in doubt. The PCB rejected the BCCI’s desire that the competition be held using a hybrid format, like the Asia Cup 2022. Stakeholders are worried because the Champions Trophy is fewer than 100 days away, but the schedule has not yet been revealed. According to CricketPakistan, there were rumors that the schedule may be revealed this week, but given the continued problems, it is probably going to be further postponed.

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Convincing the BCCI, a strong board, to send the team to Pakistan is difficult, if not impossible, particularly in light of the Indian government’s rejection. PCB president Mohsin Naqvi is emphatic on hosting the whole event in Pakistan, despite the board’s willingness to accept the hybrid format in the Asia Cup and send Pakistan to India for the ODI World Cup.

Finding a middle ground seems to be quite challenging given the existing positions of both parties. If both boards are unwilling to soften, there are a few conceivable consequences. If the BCCI declines to participate in Pakistan, the ICC may send a different team in lieu of India and hold the event there. However, it would be a suicide decision since a tournament without India would be unattractive and all boards, including the ICC, would lose a lot of money.

The ICC, however, has the option to accept the hybrid format or to withdraw the competition entirely from Pakistan. The boards will also suffer since PCB could withdraw from the competition in such a case. Additionally, they have said that if the ICC treats PCB unfairly, they may boycott India at future ICC competitions.

Since India vs. Pakistan matches bring in a lot of money, the stakeholders would find it difficult to endure the losses if the games are cancelled for whatever reason.

The broadcasters and commercial partners have informed the ICC that they would only accept the Champions Trophy schedule if it includes the much-awaited Pakistan-India match, according to a report in CricketPakistan. Additionally, they have vowed to sue the board if the event is held without an India vs. Pakistan match.

In order to prevent significant losses, the stakeholders are also putting pressure on the PCB to accept a hybrid arrangement. Mohsin Naqvi has so far shown steely nerves, but how long can he hold up?