By K S Tomar
Pakistan's decision to accept the Hybrid Model for hosting the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy reflects a deep understanding of the dynamics shaping international cricket.
A good sense has prevailed in the Pakistan government which has given a go-ahead to its cricket board to accept India's proposal on the Hybrid Model (playing at a neutral venue, UAE, which will act as a big savior to the game of cricket in this country, thereby saving the right to host the Champion Trophy. In simple words -- the game of cricket has won, finally.
It was a clever move on the part of the newly elected ICC (International Cricket Council) chief, Jay Shah, to leave it to the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) and Pakistan Cricket Board to mutually resolve the ticklish issue which has paid rich dividends as it is official that both nations’ cricket teams will clash at a neutral venue. PCB (Pakistan Cricket Board), being financially on a weak footing, could have inflicted serious injury through its suicidal act of boycotting the champion trophy but it has been averted.
The arrangement will cover the Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan, next year’s Women’s Cricket World Cup in India, and the T20 World Cup in 2026, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. Citing security concerns, India declined to travel to Pakistan for the Champion Trophy scheduled for February-March. The Indian team has not toured Pakistan since the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks.
Crores of fans in India and Pakistan are elated over ICC's efforts which successfully persuaded the PCB to accept an amicable and logical solution of the Hybrid Model (India will play its matches at neutral venues like UAE or Sri Lanka). There is no denying the fact that cricket fans do not believe in territorial barriers as they are solely interested in the welfare and evolution of the game. Fans want to witness India versus Pakistan cricket matches, which are nicknamed, "virtual emotional war" and guided by feelings of patriotism of respective nations.
Jay Shah's taking over as the new ICC chief, following his successful election, marks a significant milestone in cricket governance. Shah’s leadership brings fresh opportunities for the ICC, with the potential for transformative changes across global cricket, besides ensuring smooth conduct of the champion trophy which can be attributed to his management skills and vast experience as BCCI Chairman.
Under Shah’s leadership, the Champions Trophy will likely regain its status as a marquee ICC event. His ability to create high-stakes tournaments could amplify the competition's significance. Shah’s strategies could focus on enhancing fan experiences, from digital engagement to on-ground spectacles. This would ensure the Champions Trophy appeals to both traditional and emerging markets.
The Champions Trophy will benefit from Shah’s commercial acumen, attracting top sponsors and record-breaking broadcasting deals. This would make it a financial success, benefiting all participating boards. With Shah at the helm, the tournament can expect seamless organization, from selecting world-class venues to ensuring high-quality facilities for teams and fans. Shah’s diplomatic approach could ensure the participation of all ICC member nations, including resolving tensions such as those between India and Pakistan, to preserve the tournament's competitive integrity.
Pakistan's pragmatic move to safeguard its cricketing future
Against this backdrop, wisdom has finally prevailed within the Pakistan government, which has approved its cricket board’s acceptance of India’s Hybrid Model proposal. This pragmatic decision serves as a lifeline for cricket in Pakistan, safeguarding the country’s hosting rights for the Champions Trophy. Simply put, cricket has emerged victorious in this diplomatic resolution.
PCB's decision to accept the Hybrid Model for hosting the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy marks a significant shift in its stance. This move reflects not just strategic foresight but also a deep understanding of the dynamics shaping international cricket. By stepping back from its earlier boycott threat, the PCB has displayed maturity and pragmatism, ensuring that Pakistan remains a key player in the cricketing world while securing its hosting rights for one of the sport's marquee events.
Hybrid Model: A win-win solution?
Under the hybrid arrangement, matches will be split between Pakistan and a neutral venue, addressing security concerns raised by some teams. This compromise allows Pakistan to host matches domestically, allowing its fans to witness international cricket while ensuring participation from countries hesitant to travel to Pakistan. The PCB’s insistence that this model be applied reciprocally to events held in India until 2031 underscores its bid for fairness in the global cricketing arena. By linking this acceptance to long-term reciprocity, Pakistan is strategically positioning itself to negotiate future arrangements with greater leverage.
Why backing down was necessary
The PCB’s initial boycott threat risked isolating Pakistan from the cricketing fraternity, particularly as India holds significant sway in ICC decision-making. Losing the hosting rights would have been a severe blow to Pakistan's cricketing aspirations, depriving the nation of a rare chance to showcase its capabilities as a safe and world-class venue. Financial losses, diminished fan morale, and potential backlash from sponsors would have compounded the damage. Recognizing this, the PCB opted for a middle path that ensures the tournament's success while preserving its hosting privileges.
Ensuring the Trophy stays in Pakistan
By agreeing to the hybrid model, the PCB has effectively safeguarded the Champions Trophy's presence in Pakistan. This decision ensures that the event proceeds smoothly without the uncertainty of shifting the tournament entirely to another country. It also mitigates potential fallout with the ICC and other member boards, which might have viewed Pakistan's rigid stance as counterproductive. Moreover, the move aligns with Pakistan's broader strategy to rebuild its image as a reliable host for international cricket. With successful recent tours by teams like Australia and England, Pakistan has demonstrated its capacity to organize high-stakes matches. Hosting part of the Champions Trophy will further cement this narrative.
Broader benefits for Pakistan
Hosting the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025 offers Pakistan a significant financial opportunity. Historically, ICC events generate substantial economic activity, and Pakistan is poised to benefit from direct and indirect revenue streams. For example, ticket sales alone could rake in millions, as the 2017 Champions Trophy in England saw ticket revenues exceeding $9 million. High-profile matches, particularly involving India or England, are expected to sell out, contributing significantly to the PCB's income. Additional revenues from concessions, merchandise, and parking fees at stadiums are likely to add to the earnings.
In conclusion, hosting the ICC Champions Trophy is not just about cricket — it is a financial windfall for Pakistan. From generating millions in ticket sales and sponsorships to creating thousands of jobs and boosting tourism, the event has the potential to significantly impact the country’s economy and global standing. If executed efficiently.
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(The writer is a strategic affairs columnist and political analyst based in Shimla)
