#ICC must not be #Indian #Cricket #Council..!

Important Recommendations for Resolving the Champions Trophy 2025 Issue

This communication presents suggestions for your consideration regarding the resolution of the ongoing challenges surrounding the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) must adhere to the principles of fairness and equity, ensuring consistent application of its regulations. Precedents set by the ICC in similar circumstances provide a clear framework for addressing this matter:

1. Historical Precedents:

• During the 1996 ICC Cricket World Cup, in the context of an ongoing civil war in Sri Lanka, three major cricketing nations boycotted their group matches in Sri Lanka. The ICC ruled that these teams would automatically forfeit their points.
• Similarly, ahead of the 2003 ICC Cricket World Cup, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) requested that their match scheduled to take place in Zimbabwe be relocated to South Africa due to safety concerns. This request was denied by the ICC.

On both occasions, the ICC upheld strict enforcement of its regulations, penalizing teams that failed to fulfil their obligations under the tournament schedule.

2. Current Concerns:
   In light of these precedents, the ICC’s proposal to implement a hybrid model for the Champions Trophy 2025 appears inconsistent with its historical stance. Forcing Pakistan to accept a hybrid model under pressure from the BCCI raises serious questions about fairness and impartiality. This approach risks undermining the ICC’s credibility and could lead to perceptions that it functions as an extension of the Indian Cricket Council rather than a truly global governing body.
3. Proposed Stipulation for Consideration:
   The PCB may consider agreeing to the hybrid model suggested by the ICC for the Champions Trophy 2025 on the condition that the ICC provides a written guarantee. This guarantee should ensure that the hybrid model will be applied consistently to future tournaments, specifically:

• The Women’s World Cup (September–October 2025),
• The Asia Cup (October 2025), and
• The T20 World Cup (February–March 2026).

This stipulation would safeguard the PCB’s position and ensure equitable treatment if, for any reason, Pakistan decides to boycott these tournaments scheduled to be held in India.

We trust that these suggestions will guide the PCB in addressing the current situation with clarity, ensuring the principles of fairness and justice are upheld in international cricket.

Syed Nayyar Uddin Ahmad
03219402157
Lahore.