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The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) chief Richard Thompson and CEO Richard Gould highlighted India’s importance ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled to be hosted by Pakistan.
Thompson, while speaking to the journalists, raised concerns about India’s potential absence from the eight-team tournament, specifically linked to the financial implications.
“Cricket cannot afford to lose its broadcasting rights, and the Champions Trophy without India would not be in the best interest of the sport,” said Thompson.
The ECB high-ups also revealed that a hybrid model, designed to let India play their matches outside Pakistan, is also under consideration, subject to India’s refusal to tour the country.
Richard Thompson, however, shared that the final decision regarding the hybrid model would be made by the upcoming ICC CEO Jay Shah, who is also the Secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
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Meanwhile, Gould backed Thompson’s assertion that the meeting regarding the hybrid model will soon be held by the apex cricketing body.
“Whenever Pakistan and India play, security concerns in the region escalate, but the financial stakes for broadcasting rights are significant,” said Gould.
Notably, the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is scheduled to take place in Pakistan in the February- March window, however, India’s participation in the tournament is uncertain as the BCCI seeks the government’s approval to visit the country.
Remember, reports emerged in Indian media, citing a source from the BCCI, that the Indian team will not be visiting Pakistan for the Champions Trophy.
It is worth noting that India has not travelled to Pakistan since the Asia Cup in 2008 due to the long-standing political tensions between the two neighbouring countries.
In contrast, Pakistan has made four trips to India in the last 16 years. Their most recent visit was last year for the ICC Men’s World Cup 2023.
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