Pakistan has got a chance to host an ICC tournament after almost 28 years. Pakistan Cricket Board spent a lot of money to make it grand and got the stadium repaired. But BCCI has eclipsed this by deciding not to send Team India to Pakistan. The Indian Cricket Board demands that this tournament be conducted on a ‘hybrid model’ like the Asia Cup, whereas the Pakistan Cricket Board is not ready for it. He desperately wants to host it at any cost. Both the boards are adamant about their demands. In such a situation, the question arises that if this continues, what options will be left with ICC and PCB and what will be its impact on Pakistan?
What options are left with ICC and PCB?
No ICC tournament has been organized in Pakistan since 1996. Security system has been a major reason behind this. However, in the last few years, big teams like Australia, England and New Zealand have toured Pakistan. Now by hosting the Champions Trophy, PCB wanted to completely improve its image from security point of view but BCCI has put an end to it.
However, after India’s refusal, there was a demand that Team India be removed and Sri Lanka be given entry as the eighth team. But without the Indian team, no ICC tournament can be successful. The reason behind this is the money coming from broadcasting. Team India has a huge fan following, due to which both the number of viewers and earnings increases. The broadcasting rights of this tournament are also with the Indian company.
In such a situation, PCB and ICC have only 3 options in this dispute. First of all, Pakistan Cricket Board should accept the hybrid model and shift 5 out of 15 matches including the final and semi-finals of the tournament to UAE or any other country. Second, ICC should shift the Champions Trophy from Pakistan to some other country. The third and final option is to postpone it indefinitely.
PCB may suffer severe damage
If PCB chooses any of these options, it is certain to suffer losses. Pakistan’s maximum earnings will be from India’s matches but if it adopts the hybrid model, it will suffer huge losses. There will also be a reduction in his fees. On the other hand, if ICC gives the hosting of the entire tournament to some other country, then Pakistan Cricket Board can withdraw its name. The only disadvantage in this is the PCB. ICC can ban him and include another team.
At the same time, by postponing the Champions Trophy indefinitely, Pakistan will not only lose the hosting fees but the expenses incurred to make the stadium shine will also be completely wasted. According to the report of Cricbuzz, in these three circumstances, Pakistan Cricket Board may suffer a loss of up to 65 million dollars i.e. about 548 rupees.
