PCB Faces Financial Risks with Possible Boycott of 2025 Champions Trophy

The saga surrounding the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy shows no signs of cooling as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) faces increasing pressure following India’s insistence on a neutral venue. Reports indicate that should PCB choose to boycott the tournament over these demands, it may suffer financial setbacks from the ICC.

When the ICC granted Pakistan hosting rights for the Champions Trophy, concerns emerged about India’s participation, given the enduring diplomatic tensions between the two countries.

The PCB now finds itself in a tight spot after the ICC formally informed them of India’s decision not to travel to Pakistan for next year’s tournament. PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi has ruled out a hybrid model, raising speculation that Pakistan’s government may consider withdrawing its team from the tournament altogether.

According to Cricbuzz, if PCB proceeds with a boycott, it stands to lose an estimated $65 million in hosting fees and might also face reductions in its ICC funding allocations.

Meanwhile, BCCI’s notification to the ICC regarding India’s stance has left PCB with limited options. Should PCB agree to a hybrid model, the ICC has reportedly assured the board that it will receive “full hosting fees” and the opportunity to host the “majority of the matches,” as reported by PTI.

However, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi clarified during a press briefing that no official communication had been received from the BCCI.

“We have a clear stance that they must give it to us in writing if they [the Indian cricket board] have any issues. Till today, we have not spoken about any hybrid model, but we’re ready to speak on this," Mohsin Naqvi stated in Lahore recently.

“Now, if Indian media is reporting this, then there must be some letter the ICC will give us, or the Indian Board might have written this somewhere. Till now, no such letter has reached me or the PCB," he reiterated.

India last toured Pakistan in 2008, and since then, both teams have only faced each other in ICC events. The issue of a neutral venue continues to cast a shadow over the 2025 Champions Trophy and the region’s cricketing ties.