Thompson urges BCCI Chairman Jay Shah to take on a “significant role,” while Gould highlights the importance of safeguarding cricket’s broadcast rights.
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) indicated on Wednesday that it may consider a “hybrid model” and other alternatives if India decides against traveling to Pakistan for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy in 2025.
“It would not be beneficial for cricket if India were not to participate,” stated ECB Chair Richard Thompson.
Pakistan is set to host the prestigious ICC tournament in February next year, but India’s participation remains uncertain as the BCCI is awaiting approval from New Delhi to visit the country.
India has not played in Pakistan since 2008, and the two historical rivals have not engaged in any bilateral series since the 2012-13 season.
Thompson called on both South Asian nations to reach a resolution amicably, noting that BCCI Chairman Jay Shah will play a crucial role in the outcome. “There’s geopolitics, and then there’s cricketing geopolitics. I believe they’ll find a way; they have to.”
Thompson and ECB Chief Executive Richard Gould are currently in Pakistan, where they met with British journalists in Multan during the ongoing second Test match between Pakistan and England.
Their comments came ahead of the upcoming ICC meetings in Dubai.
Richard Gould emphasized the importance of protecting broadcast rights from potential negative impacts should the Champions Trophy proceed without India or Pakistan.
He noted that both nations have sufficient time to make a decision.
Thompson and Gould hinted at the potential for a hybrid model if India opts not to travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy, mentioning that “there are many different alternatives and contingencies available.”
Thompson highlighted that Pakistan is the host nation for this prestigious event, which represents a significant moment for the country. He expressed hope that a solution would be reached and that the event would take place in its entirety in Pakistan.
Sources close to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) stated that Pakistan is committed to hosting the tournament fully and is actively renovating stadiums in preparation. They emphasized that the Champions Trophy will be a world-class and memorable event for all participating teams and cricket fans.
According to PCB sources, Pakistan was awarded the hosting rights for the Champions Trophy in 2021 by the ICC board, which includes India as one of the teams.
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will feature eight elite teams, including India, Australia, New Zealand, England, South Africa, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan, based on their performances in the 2023 ODI World Cup.
Matches will be held at three venues—Karachi, Rawalpindi, and Lahore—with all of India’s matches scheduled to take place in Lahore, as proposed by the PCB to the ICC.
