ICC and PCB have only these 3 options left, Pakistan may face a loss of 548 crores after the Champions Trophy controversy

Pakistan has got a chance to host an ICC tournament after about 28 years. The Pakistan Cricket Board spent a lot of money to make it grand and got the stadium renovated. But the BCCI has put a halt to it by deciding not to send Team India to Pakistan. The Indian Cricket Board demands that this tournament should be held on a 'hybrid model' like the Asia Cup, while the Pakistan Cricket Board is not ready for this. It wants to host it completely at any cost. Both the boards are adamant about their demand. In such a situation, the question arises that if this continues, what options will the ICC and PCB have left 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 arrangements have been a big reason behind this. However, in the last few years, big teams like Australia, England, and New Zealand have visited Pakistan. Now, by hosting the Champions Trophy, the PCB wanted to completely improve its image from the security point of view, but the BCCI has spoiled it.

However, after India refused, there was a demand that Team India be removed and Sri Lanka be given entry as the eighth team. But no ICC tournament can be successful without the Indian team. 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 income increases. At the same time, the broadcasting rights of this tournament are also with the Indian company.

In such a situation, amid this controversy, PCB and ICC have only 3 options. First, the Pakistan Cricket Board should agree to the hybrid model and shift 5 out of 15 matches including the final and semi-final of the tournament to UAE or any other country. Second, the 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 heavy losses

PCB is bound to incur losses if it chooses any of these options. Pakistan will earn the most from matches against India but if it accepts the hybrid model, it will incur huge losses. Its fees will also be cut. On the other hand, if ICC gives the hosting of the entire tournament to some other country, then the Pakistan Cricket Board can withdraw its name. PCB is the one who will suffer losses in this. ICC can ban it and include another team.

On the other hand, if the Champions Trophy is postponed indefinitely, not only will Pakistan lose the hosting fees, but the expenses incurred in beautifying the stadium will also go to waste. According to the Cricbuzz report, in these three situations, the Pakistan Cricket Board may suffer a loss of up to 65 million dollars i.e. about 548 lakh rupees.