Champions Trophy: What steps can ICC take if India and Pakistan don't reach a compromise over current stand?

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is left in limbo as less than three months remain before the Champions Trophy officially starts. Scheduled to be played from February 19 to March 8, seven teams have confirmed participation in the tournament, while India is reluctant to participate if the entire Champions Trophy is held in Pakistan. This leaves the ICC with a major issue to resolve, creating uncertainty over the tournament’s future.

ICC with a decision in hand

Currently, apart from India, all nations have given green signalto play in the Asian subcontinent. However, India is insisting on a hybrid model and has cleared their stance by writing to the ICC of their intent to not travel to Pakistan for the coveted tournament. In this case, the ICC has two major options to settle the issue and clear the air over the Champions Trophy.

Postpone Champions Trophy

The most likely and favourable option for the ICC is to postpone the tournament for a future date until a compromise is reached between the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) over the hosting issues. While India is reluctant to travel to Pakistan, PCB on Tuesday wrote to the ICC that they will not stage the Champions Trophy in a hybrid model and will host all matches in their homeland.

“India must give solid grounds and reasoning for not coming to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy. If other teams can come to Pakistan, why can’t India?” the details of the letter included.

“Champions Trophy will be held only in Pakistan, we will not be accepting a hybrid model. Previously, when teams refused to attend matches elsewhere, the match was considered forfeited and points were given to the opponent team as we have seen in the past. Also, when a team has refused to attend matches elsewhere, as per the rule, the next in line team has been considered for the tournament itself,” PCB’s letter further added.

In case the Champions Trophy is postponed, it will be the second time that Pakistan will face such a situation. In 2008 ICC decided to pull the trigger and take away the hosting rights from Pakistan after a period of unrest in the nation due to terrorist activities. South Africa instead hosted the Champions Trophy in 2009 September.

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Unlikely option: Exclude India

If ICC decides to go according to their rules and regulations, India’s reluctance to travel could see them either get excluded from the tournament or get their matches fortified. However, ICC is unlikely to take this step considering the brand value of the Indian Cricket Team. Having the Indian team excluded could see them missing out on huge revenue from television rights, digital rights and stadium ticket sales. ICC will not take a hit on its revenue model as India remains a major player in the market.

Also from December 1, BCCI secretary Jay Shah will take office as the new chairperson of the ICC board of directors. This means he won’t favour an ICC tournament without India.