PCB Presses ICC to Formalize Champions Trophy 2025 Hosting Agreements

Islamabad: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has requested the International Cricket Council (ICC) to formalize hosting agreements for the Champions Trophy 2025, demanding compensation if India refuses to participate due to political or security concerns. Despite Pakistan being designated as the host, the official hosting agreement remains unsigned.

PCB officials, including Chairman Zaka Ashraf and COO Salman Naseer, met with the ICC executive board in Ahmedabad to discuss the tournament’s hosting, scheduled for February-March 2025. They emphasized the possibility of India’s withdrawal and urged the ICC to refrain from unilateral decisions regarding the event.

In case India declines to play in Pakistan citing security concerns, the PCB proposed engaging an independent security agency to collaborate with the Pakistani government and security officials.

While numerous international teams have recently toured Pakistan, India has not visited since their refusal during the Asia Cup in August-September.

In a separate development, tensions have escalated between PCB Chief Selector Wahab Riaz and several Pakistani cricketers over the delayed issuance of No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for foreign league participation, including Australia’s Big Bash League. Reports indicate that cricketer Imad Wasim has decided to retire from international cricket due to the ongoing tension.

Wahab Riaz has informed centrally contracted players that their priority is to play for Pakistan, emphasizing domestic cricket appearances for national team consideration. The NOC issuance delay has caused player dissatisfaction, with Imad Wasim reportedly ending his international career to pursue contracts in T10 and T20 leagues in the UAE, Australia, and South Africa.