Amid all the hustle and bustle, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has been forced to change their decision by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). An objection over their ‘tour’ of the Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK) by the BCCI, the International Cricket Council (ICC) made sure that the PCB changed their plan and limited the tour to just the three host cities of Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi as well.

After totally denying visiting Pakistan for the Champions Trophy 2025 and forcing the PCB into uncertainty, they are contemplating withdrawing from the tournament if not granted full hosting rights as well.

BCCI objects to PCB's Trophy Tour

Meanwhile, a PCB source has also confirmed to the Indian Express that changes have been made. It’s also been shared that ICC allowed the trophy tour much like they did the schedule, budget, and venues for the Champions Trophy 2025 but they did not account for BCCI’s acceptance as well.

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“PCB is already in discussions with the ICC on how to proceed with the trophy tour to ensure the Champions Trophy is continued to be promoted in Pakistan. The ICC Champions Trophy tour was planned in consultation and with the approval of the ICC. The PCB had not unilaterally finalised the trophy tour schedule,” the source said.

PCB’s Champions Trophy Tour plan

However, the trophy tour was supposed to begin on November 16 in Islamabad before moving to other cities like Murree and Hunza as well. The tour would then shift to Skardu and Muzaffarabad, the regions that both India and Pakistan claim as theirs as well. However, the planned tour in PoK did not go down well with the BCCI Secretary, Jay Shah, who raised objections with the ICC as well.

"The BCCI secretary, after it came to his notice, called up the ICC and was extremely critical of PCB's move to conduct a Trophy tour of multiple cities which fall under Pakistan Occupied Kashmir," a senior BCCI official privy to the development said to PTI on conditions of anonymity. "He has urged the ICC to take strong action. As far as Islamabad is concerned, there is no issue but there can't be any Trophy tour to POK."

Afghanistan's Star All-Rounder has said that he wants to retire from the ODI format after the Champions Trophy 2025. Mohammad Nabi revealed this after winning the ODI Series against Bangladesh in UAE, and he was also adjudged the Player of the Series.

After the third ODI, Nabi spoke to the host broadcaster and said, "In my mind, from the last World Cup, I was retired but then we qualified for the Champions Trophy and I felt if I could play that, it would be great."

Nabi informs about his decision 

He has reportedly informed the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) of his decision and will continue to play in T20Is. To the ACB media team, he said: "We will see, but no, I will not play for long. God willing, after the Champions Trophy, we will say goodbye to the ODIs."

Nabi has played 167 matches so far and is Afghanistan's highest-capped ODI Cricketer. He is also the current World No. 1 ODI All-Rounder in the ICC Rankings.

He has been playing this format since they made their ODI Cricket debut against Scotland in 2009. He has scored 3600 runs in this format and he is 2nd in the list of Afghanistan's highest run-getters. He has hit 17 fifties and 2 centuries and averages 27.48. He has scalped 172 wickets with an average of 32.47 and ranks 2nd in their highest wicket-taker list.

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Afghanistan will make their maiden appearance at the Champions Trophy

Afghanistan will make their first appearance in the Champions Trophy tournament in 2025. They finished in the Top Six in the 2023 ODI World Cup and earned a spot in the Champions Trophy. The eight-team Champions Trophy features the top seven teams from the latest ODI World Cup, along with hosts Pakistan.

Nabi has been constant in the Afghanistan team's progress in the T20I and ODI formats as well as helping them get recognition in each format. He was the ODI captain in Afghanistan's maiden 50-over World Cup appearance in 2015 and featured in the 2019 and 2023 editions too. He retired from Tests in 2019.

For the past few weeks, speculation regarding the future of the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025 has been rife. The focus has been mostly centered on the ongoing tussle between PCB and BCCI as the Indian government stands firmly opposed to sending its cricket team to Pakistan. Out of eight participating teams, India is the only team that willfully wants to refrain from traveling to Pakistan citing "security reasons". The Indian team last toured Pakistan during the 2008 Asia Cup right before the tragic terror attacks in Mumbai which claimed countless lives.

Relations since the in-famous terror attack have been sour and the bilateral cricketing ties have plummeted to an all-time low. Very recently, right before the release of the official Champions Trophy schedule, the BCCI blatantly refused to tour Pakistan for the Champions Trophy and has also issued a formal communication to the ICC about the same. This puts PCB in a difficult situation who are reportedly taking all possible measures to host its first major ICC event since 1996. 

How did the PCB respond to BCCI's denial to travel Pakistan? 

As soon as BCCI's decision was conveyed to the ICC, it was learnt that the PCB had reportedly referred the matter to its government which is currently reviewing this highly sensitive situation. Previously, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi expressed that his board is unwilling to make any compromises and quashed any hopes of adopting a hybrid model unless a written explanation is issued by the Indian government. 

As per a PCB spokesperson, the ICC had communicated this news to the PCB via email on Friday but a formal reason for India's omission was missing. 

"The ICC emailed the PCB informing them about the inability of the BCCI to send its team to Pakistan. No reason was given. There is nothing in writing we have received from the BCCI. The PCB has apprised the federal government of the situation."

Unlike last year's Asia Cup where the PCB gave in to India's "hybrid model" approach, the stance will be a lot more stringent by the PCB. And since Naqvi is also part of Pakistan's interior ministry, the stance can be viewed as representative of the government in this case. As per sources, the Pakistan government will advise the PCB to remain resolute in this matter and work with the governing bodies to host the Champions Trophy successfully in Pakistan. 

How will ICC respond amidst the political standoff between the two boards?

As the countdown for the much-anticipated Champions Trophy draws close, ICC will have a little under 100 days to finalize the future and the outcome of the tournament. As cricketing ties continue to get impacted amidst worsening geopolitical ties between the two nations, ICC now finds itself in a tight situation. Picking either side in a situation like this can invite consequences that the ICC may not be able to ascertain at this stage. Both Naqvi and jay Shah have close ties to their respective head of states. The situation will not become any simpler when Shah takes over as the ICC chair, on December 1.

The tug of war between PCB and BCCI continues to rage on as the Champions Trophy 2025 schedule nears its official announcement. BCCI openly expressed its displeasure about visiting Pakistan citing "security" concerns and rather suggested the ICC to have all their matches shifted to a neutral venue, Dubai. 

However, the PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi strongly voiced his objection to BCCI's inclination towards having a proposed "hybrid" model. He reiterated firmly that the entire tournament will be hosted in Pakistan and the Indian team, like other participating teams, are obliged to visit the country. In a recent media discussion at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, Naqvi revealed that the PCB is yet to receive any official confirmation from the BCCI regarding India's objection to playing in Pakistan. 

What is Mohsin Naqvi's stance on this issue?

Amidst growing reports on the India team's unwillingness to participate in the upcoming Champions Trophy in Pakistan, Naqvi has said that he is actively in touch with his Indian counterpart and assures that he is working around the clock with his team to make progress on this issue. He further clarified his stance and explained that if any objections need to be conveyed by the BCCI then it has to be in the form of writing. As of now, the PCB has not received any official complaint or an objection in the written format.

"In the last two months, the Indian media has been reporting that India isn't traveling. I discussed this with them and my team, and our stance is clear: they need to give us in writing any objections they may have. Until now, no discussion of the hybrid model has happened, nor are we prepared to accept one. The Indian media are reporting it, but no formal communication has reached the PCB."

Additionally, Naqvi also debunks any possibility of adopting a hybrid model and states that there has been no discussion between the PCB and the BCCI of having a hybrid model and neither are they in a position to adopt one. 

Distraught cricketing ties between India and Pakistan

Both India and Pakistan have been bitter rivals off the field but due to the ongoing political standoff. Despite the bitter geopolitical ties, cricket between the two Asian cricketing giants blossomed and the rivalry between the two nations was something to behold. Since the infamous terror attacks in Mumbai, India has never toured Pakistan for a bilateral series since 2008. Pakistan too, have severed their cricketing ties with India and last came on a bilateral series tour in 2012-13. However, the two nations continue to face each other in major ICC events. 

Naqvi elaborates that Pakistan has been very cooperative in this matter and despite BCCI's refusal to travel to Pakistan for the Asia Cup, PCB still made a decision to send their cricket team to play the ODI World Cup 2023. That tournament eventually adopted a hybrid model, with the latter stages played in Sri Lanka. He expects BCCI to adopt a positive approach. Furthermore, he has been a long believer in the fact that sports should not get embroiled in politics. Whether or not two countries get along has nothing to do with sports.

"Cricket should be free of politics. If you don't get along with another country, that's another matter, but politics should not be involved in sport."  

At this stage, it is hard to ascertain the fate of the Champions Trophy. PCB remains adamant about its position to host all Champions Trophy matches inside Pakistan but it is also clear that BCCI will not make any decisive move on this matter without the clearance from their government. 

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The Pakistan Cricket Board have reportedly agreed to play the 2025 Champions Trophy in a hybrid model. As per reports, the PCB have agreed to India's demand to have their games in the UAE as well. This decision came as the Indian government won't allow the Indian team to travel to Pakistan due to socio-political and security concerns.

However, the Asia Cup in 2023 was the last tournament held in Pakistan in a hybrid model, with India's matches held in Sri Lanka as well. A PCB source told PTI, "The PCB feels that even if Indian government does not clear the tour to Pakistan slight adjustments can be made to the schedule, as in all probability India would play its matches in Dubai or Sharjah."

ICC to announce the schedule soon

Meanwhile, the BCCI haven't made a final decision yet. By the time they are likely to take the decision, Jay Shah will be chairing the ICC as well. The PCB source also revealed to PTI that the board is in discussions with the ICC to announce the schedule soon as well.

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"The PCB has discussed with the ICC the tentative schedule which they sent some months back and wants the same schedule announced on 11 November," the source said. "It has told the ICC that since a back-up plan is already in place with a revised budget there is no sense in delaying releasing a tentative schedule of matches."

PCB urge ICC to ask BCCI to confirm their stance

However, the PCB have also urged the ICC to ask the BCCI to confirm their presence in Pakistan for the Champions Trophy as well. 

"The PCB wants the BCCI to give in writing whether they get permission from their government or not to send their team to Pakistan," the source said.

Notably, the Champions League trophy is all set to begin on February 19, 2025, and Pakistan will take on New Zealand in the opener in Karachi as well. Meanwhile, all of India's matches have been taken place in Lahore for security and logistical reasons as well.

Following the exit of Gary Kirsten, the door is left ajar for Aaqib Javed to assume the coaching responsibilities of the Pakistan cricket team as a head coach. Aaqib expressed his willingness to operate as a head coach for Pakistan in the white-ball arena recently. The 52-year-old is currently engaged with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) as a national selector. 

Kirsten handed his resignation on Monday due to growing unease and a difference of opinion between him and the PCB. It has been reported that the World Cup-winning coach spent very little time in Pakistan and had very limited on-ground involvement well below the contractually allowed 30 days of vacation. Now that the board has parted ways with Kirsten, Aaqib now has his ambitions set on securing a significant coaching role in the team

A surprise U-turn from Aaqib Javed  

As per sources, reports are now trickling through which suggests that Aaqib is not really interested in becoming the head coach but wants to mentor the budding players. There is a growing possibility that the national board may recruit him as the Director of High Performance in days to come. Aaqib had been at odds with Misbah-ul-Haq when he served as the selector and coach of the national team across all formats. Aaquib used to be a vocal critic of him and it is understood that it is due to this reason Aaib wants to stay away from the head coach position.

A senior Pakistani journalist named Saleem Khaliq confirmed these claims as he took to his X handle to state the same in Urdu. 

عاقب جاوید کو کوچ بننے میں ولچسپی نہیں ہے، ماضی میں جب مصباح الحق نے سلیکٹر اور کوچ کی دہری ذمہ داری سنبھالی تھی تب عاقب ان کے بڑے ناقدین میں شامل تھے،وہ نئے کھلاڑیوں کی رہنمائی کرنا چاہتے ہیں، پی سی بی آئندہ چند روز میں انھیں ڈائریکٹر ہائی پرفارمنس کی ذمہ داری سونپ سکتا ہے

— Saleem Khaliq (@saleemkhaliq) October 29, 2024

A recent report from PTI suggested that senior selector Aaqib Javed and former spinner Saqlain Mushtaq are under consideration as possible successors to Gary Kirsten for the position of head coach for white-ball formats. According to an insider, Azhar Mahmood is expected to serve as interim head coach but that can change when Aaqib or Saqlain get appointed to the role.

Previously Aaqib successfully coached the Lankan team as a fast bowling coach earlier this year and has served as Lahore Qalandars' head coach in the PSL since 2017, leading them to successive titles in 2022 and 2023. 

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has deferred to the International Cricket Council (ICC) to persuade the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to send its team to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy, set for the first quarter of next year.

According to a PCB source, the event’s budget was recently approved during ICC meetings in Colombo, but the schedule and format were not discussed.”The PCB has fulfilled its duties as hosts of the Champions Trophy by submitting the draft schedule, format, and budget for the event,” a PCB insider told news agency PTI. “It is now up to the ICC to circulate, discuss, and finalize the schedule of the Champions Trophy.”

“The PCB has proposed in the draft schedule to host all of India’s matches in Lahore, including a semi-final (if India qualifies) and the final,” he said. Another source confirmed that the PCB has already provided all required details in its expression of interest document to the ICC. “The PCB has formally informed the ICC about tax arrangements, venue selections, and government clearance for hosting the Indian team in Pakistan for the event,” he added.

The PCB first showed interest in hosting the Champions Trophy in 2021, during Ehsan Mani’s tenure as Chairman. The ICC granted hosting rights in 2022, and the final host agreement was completed under Ramiz Raja’s chairmanship. Although PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi did not have formal meetings with BCCI secretary Jay Shah or other BCCI officials at the ICC meetings, their interactions were described as cordial.

Next Steps for ICC: Confirming schedule and securing Indian participation

The PCB has now delegated the task of finalizing and announcing the tournament schedule to the ICC. The ICC also needs to confirm with the BCCI regarding the Indian team’s travel to Pakistan. The budget for the tournament includes provisions for additional expenses in case the Indian team needs to play matches outside Pakistan.

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Historically, the BCCI has stated that decisions about playing cricket in Pakistan are made by the Indian government. During the 2023 ODI Asia Cup, India played its matches in Sri Lanka under a ‘Hybrid Model.

‘According to the draft schedule, all of India’s games, including a possible semi-final and final, are set to take place in Lahore, with the high-profile India vs Pakistan match scheduled for March 1.

The PCB has completed all its responsibilities as hosts by submitting the draft schedule and budget and providing detailed documentation to the ICC. The ICC is now responsible for finalizing the event logistics and securing India’s participation.

The cricketing world is abuzz with the latest developments between the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) regarding the Champions Trophy 2025. PCB has recently demanded written proof from the BCCI, verifying the Indian government’s denial of permission for the Indian cricket team to travel to Pakistan.

PCB demands for written proof

The PCB’s stance is clear: they require the BCCI to provide a written document from the Indian government, explicitly stating the denial of permission for the Indian team to travel to Pakistan. This demand is rooted in ensuring transparency and accountability, as verbal communications can be ambiguous and prone to misinterpretation.

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“If the India government declines permission, it has to be in writing and it is mandatory on the BCCI to provide that letter to the ICC now,” the PCB source working closely with organizing committee told PTI.

BCCI’s position

The BCCI has always maintained that the decision to play in Pakistan rests solely with the Indian government. Given the security concerns, the BCCI has expressed reluctance to commit to the Champions Trophy without governmental approval. This position is consistent with their actions during the 2023 ODI Asia Cup, where they opted for a Hybrid Model to avoid playing in Pakistan.

ICC’s role and responsibilities

The International Cricket Council (ICC) plays a crucial role in mediating such conflicts. While the ICC has not included the Hybrid Model discussion on its agenda for the upcoming annual conference, it has allocated additional funds to address any contingencies. The ICC’s position is to ensure that the tournament proceeds smoothly, irrespective of the participating teams’ locations.

“If the India government declines permission, it has to be in writing and it is mandatory on the BCCI to provide that letter to the ICC now,” the PCB source working closely with organizing committee told PTI.

The Champions Trophy’s logistics and scheduling could be significantly impacted if team India refuse to participate. The PCB has already drafted a schedule, with India’s matches, including a potential semi-final and final, planned in Lahore. If India withdraws, the ICC may need to consider alternate venues or even reformat the tournament.

“It is a fact that the we are insistent that the BCCI must inform the ICC about its travel plans to Pakistan at least 5-6 months before the tournament and in writing,” the top PCB source also stated.

Hybrid model discussion

The Hybrid Model, which allows teams to play their matches in neutral venues, has been proposed as a potential solution. Hosting the Champions Trophy as a two-country tournament would incur additional expenses. The ICC has earmarked funds to cover these potential costs, ensuring that the tournament can proceed without financial hindrances.

“The ICC Management is recommending additional costs just in case it is necessary to play some matches outside Pakistan if such a situation arises later on,” the source confirmed.

David Warner has announced that he will be available to play for the Australian team in the Champions Trophy next year if selected. Warner retired from all formats of cricket after the T20 World Cup 2024, where he was the opening batsman for Australia. Following their exit in the Super 8 stage, many thought Warner had ended his international career.

He confirmed his retirement on Instagram but mentioned that he might return for the Champions Trophy in Pakistan next year if needed. Warner expressed his honor in representing Australia and said he would continue playing franchise cricket for a while. He also thanked his fans and teammates for their support.

Warner’s announcement and potential return

“Chapter closed!! It’s been an unbelievable experience to play at the highest level for such a long period. Australia was my team. The majority of my career was at the international level. It’s been an honour to be able to do this. 100+ games in all formats is my highlight. I want to say thanks to everyone out there who has made this possible. My wife and my girls, who sacrificed so much, thank you for all your support. No person will ever know what we’ve been through.”

“For all the cricket fans out there, I truly hope I have entertained you and changed cricket, especially tests, in a way where we scored a bit faster than others. We cannot do what we love without the fans, so thanks”.

“I will continue to play franchise cricket for a while, and I am also open to playing for Aus in the Champions trophy if selected. To the players and staff, thanks for putting up with me. No more what’s app junk, your ears are now going to be free of my voice. This team has had unbelievable success the Last few years and long may this continue. Pat cummins, Andrew old Mac and staff have got this,” said Warner.

Having retired from Test cricket earlier this year, Warner will now be working as a commentator for Fox Cricket.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has unveiled its proposed schedule for the 2025 Champions Trophy, sparking discussions around the potential visit of the Indian cricket team to Pakistan after a hiatus of nearly 17 years.

Proposed Venue

Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi have been earmarked as the three venues for hosting the two-week Champions Trophy. Notably, Lahore is slated to serve as the base for the Indian cricket team, with all their matches scheduled in the city, including the final.

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Basing India in Lahore is a strategic move aimed at streamlining logistical and security arrangements. It offers a pragmatic solution to potential travel and safety concerns, particularly given the sensitive nature of cross-border sporting events.

Lahore’s proximity to the Wagah border crossing presents Indian fans with a relatively easier option to attend matches. This move aligns with efforts to foster cross-border cricketing ties and promote fan engagement across borders.

Historical Context: India vs Pakistan

The rivalry between India and Pakistan in cricket is steeped in history, with matches between the two nations generating immense excitement and anticipation. However, political tensions and security concerns have often overshadowed sporting endeavours, impacting bilateral cricketing ties.

The last time an Indian cricket team toured Pakistan was during the 2008 Asia Cup. Since then, bilateral cricketing exchanges have been marred by diplomatic strains and security challenges, leading to a prolonged hiatus in cross-border cricket.

The Mumbai terror attacks in 2008 marked a turning point, exacerbating tensions between the two nations and casting a shadow over cricketing relations. Subsequent developments, including geopolitical shifts and security threats, have further complicated efforts to revive bilateral cricketing ties.

Prospects and Challenges

The final decision regarding India’s participation in the Champions Trophy rests with the Indian government, underscoring the significance of diplomatic engagement and political considerations in shaping sporting events.

The final decision on whether India do visit Pakistan for the Champions Trophy will be in the hands of the Indian government, rather than the BCCI.

PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi has expressed optimism about the participation of all eight teams in the tournament. However, the stance of the Indian government remains a pivotal factor in determining the feasibility of India’s visit to Pakistan.

On Tuesday evening in Karachi, Naqvi expressed the hope that “all eight teams” will come to Pakistan for the event, though he was not drawn into specifics about India’s position.

The Champions Trophy holds special significance for Pakistan, representing a landmark opportunity to host an ICC event after nearly three decades. The prospect of India’s participation adds a layer of historic resonance to the tournament, potentially heralding a new chapter in cross-border cricketing relations.