An Indian media report has claimed the existence significant internal dissent within the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) following its acceptance of a hybrid model for the 2025 Champions Trophy. The controversy centers around the perceived inadequacy of the compensation offered by the International Cricket Council (ICC) in exchange for India’s refusal to play in Pakistan.
The ICC’s proposal sees India playing its matches in Dubai, while Pakistan hosts the remainder of the tournament. In return, Pakistan secured the hosting rights for its matches in the 2026 T20 World Cup in Colombo, and the hosting rights for a future ICC women’s event after 2027.
According to the NDTV report, several PCB members are openly expressing their displeasure with the deal, arguing that the compensation is insufficient and that PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi was too quick to accept the ICC’s terms. Sources cited by NDTV suggest a heated debate is underway within the PCB over the hybrid model.
Prominent voices within Pakistan’s cricket community are echoing these concerns. Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif voiced his disapproval, stating that the offered women’s tournament is not a suitable trade-off for hosting the Champions Trophy under a compromised format. Similarly, commentator and former cricketer, Basit Ali, described the deal as a mere “lollipop” from the ICC, suggesting the long-term benefits for Pakistan are negligible. He argued that the PCB should have instead prioritized securing the hosting rights for the upcoming Asia Cup.
The internal conflict within the PCB highlights the sensitive geopolitical context surrounding cricket matches between India and Pakistan. India’s reluctance to tour Pakistan due to security concerns has forced the ICC to seek alternative arrangements, leading to this controversial compromise and the subsequent internal friction within the PCB.
