Anurag Thakur: Pakistan ‘Unsafe’ for Champions Trophy 2025

As the cricketing world eagerly awaits a final decision on the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, BJP MP and former Union Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Anurag Thakur raised significant concerns about the conditions in Pakistan, the tournament’s host country. He pointed out that the environment there is “not sports-friendly” and “not very safe and secure.”

Hybrid Model for ICC Tournaments

Meanwhile, a breakthrough has emerged regarding the hosting of the 2025 Champions Trophy. According to reports, the ICC and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) are nearing an in-principle agreement to implement a hybrid model for global tournaments in Pakistan and India until 2027. This model would allow teams to play their matches at neutral venues when tournaments are hosted by the other country.

Thakur’s Concerns on Safety and Security

In light of these developments, Thakur reiterated India’s firm stance on player safety. “India has made it very clear that the safety and security of the players are very important,” he said. He also emphasized that India will not play in Pakistan unless the country addresses terrorism and cross-border activities. He added, “Until they control these issues, India is not willing to play there.” Supporting the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), he called their decision “right.”

India’s Major Role in Global Cricket

Furthermore, Thakur highlighted India’s immense contribution to international cricket. “India’s contribution at the international level is huge,” he stated. He reminded everyone that India is well-equipped to host major tournaments, referencing the recent successful hosting of the 50-over Cricket World Cup. “Countries across the world love to play in India, and the IPL is the most popular cricket league globally,” he concluded.

Ongoing Discussions and Hybrid Model Conditions

Although sources have confirmed the agreement on the hybrid model, the PCB, which is officially hosting the 2025 Champions Trophy, has not yet made a public statement. Consequently, the decision remains uncertain. It is also unclear whether the hybrid model will apply to both men’s and women’s tournaments.

In the current ICC commercial cycle (2024-2027), three major events are scheduled in India and Pakistan: the 2025 Champions Trophy in Pakistan, the women’s ODI World Cup in India, and the 2026 men’s T20 World Cup, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.

This agreement reportedly resulted from meetings between ICC Chair Jay Shah and PCB Chair Mohsin Naqvi in Dubai. A formal Board meeting to finalize decisions about the Champions Trophy is scheduled for December 7.

Key Conditions for the Hybrid Model

However, the PCB’s acceptance of the hybrid model is contingent on several conditions. One critical condition is that the hybrid model should apply to all ICC events hosted by India and Pakistan at least until 2027. Moreover, the PCB is seeking compensation for any commercial revenue losses if India’s Champions Trophy games are played at neutral venues. If India progresses to the knockout stages, semi-finals and potentially the final could take place outside Pakistan, with the UAE and Sri Lanka as leading candidates for these neutral venues.

To address potential financial losses, the PCB proposed organizing a tri-nation series involving India, Pakistan, and another country. As a result, further negotiations are expected, and a final decision is anticipated at the December 7 Board meeting.

Champions Trophy Schedule Uncertain

Initially, the PCB planned to start the Champions Trophy on February 19, 2025, with Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi as the host cities. However, due to ongoing discussions, the ICC has not yet released the tournament schedule. The BCCI informed the ICC last month that it cannot send its team to Pakistan without clearance from the Indian government.

Jay Shah’s Leadership

Meanwhile, Jay Shah, who at 36 became the youngest-ever ICC Chair, has promised a “new era” for global cricket. Shah, who previously served as BCCI Secretary, aims to take cricket to “unprecedented heights.” During his first media statement as ICC Chair, Shah outlined a roadmap for the future of the game.

Speculation continues regarding Shah’s replacement as BCCI Secretary. Since 2022, Shah has served as BCCI’s representative on the ICC Board. Although the BCCI has not yet announced his successor, joint-secretary Devajit Saikia attended ICC meetings in Dubai, suggesting that he could be the new representative.