NEW DELHI: Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has described the standoff between the Board of Management for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) over the 2025 Champions Trophy as a conflict of politics and sports activities. He highlighted how the state of affairs raises considerations about equity and the governance of worldwide cricket.
Afridi voiced his considerations on social media, urging the ICC to uphold equity and assert its authority amid the escalating tensions.
Afridi criticized the BCCI’s stance, noting Pakistan’s previous willingness to tour India regardless of vital safety considerations and political strife, and expressed assist for the PCB’s rejection of a proposed hybrid internet hosting mannequin.
“By intertwining politics with sports activities, the BCCI has positioned worldwide cricket in a precarious place. Totally assist the PCB’s stance in opposition to the hybrid mannequin – particularly since Pakistan (regardless of safety considerations) has toured India 5 occasions, together with a bilateral white-ball collection, post-26/11. It is time for the ICC and its Board of Administrators to uphold equity and assert their authority,” Afridi wrote on X.
The battle stems from India’s refusal to play matches in Pakistan, citing longstanding safety considerations following the 2008 Mumbai assaults.
The PCB, agency on internet hosting the occasion in Pakistan, has dismissed proposals to separate matches between Pakistan and the UAE.
This disagreement has left the ICC in a precarious place, with broadcasters like Jio Star pressuring for a decision resulting from delays within the event schedule.
The hybrid mannequin, doubtlessly internet hosting the group levels within the UAE and knockout matches in Pakistan, appears probably the most viable compromise.
Nonetheless, if India progress to the knockouts, additional venue changes may be mandatory, creating further logistical and political challenges.
Champions Trophy Drama: Will India Go to Pakistan or Shift to Impartial Venue? All it’s good to know
The Champions Trophy, a marquee ICC occasion, closely is determined by the monetary and viewership draw of an India-Pakistan conflict, a match broadcasters deem essential for the event’s success.
Concurrently, any withdrawal or boycott by the PCB may pressure Pakistan cricket’s monetary well being, already fragile resulting from restricted bilateral collection and diminished worldwide publicity.
Because the ICC Board of Administrators prepares to fulfill on Friday, the worldwide cricketing neighborhood awaits a decision that balances the pursuits of all stakeholders.
