PCB will boycott ICC Champions Trophy 2025, big statement by former Pakistan captain

Former Pakistan team captain Rashid Latif has stated that the Pakistan Cricket Board might boycott the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 before the action of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Because this statement has come at such a time when the final decision is about to be taken regarding the Champions Trophy, it has surprised everyone owing to this statement of the former Pakistan cricket captain. If the PCB takes a big step to even boycott the Champions Trophy, then that will cause massive damage to the ICC.

Actually, this statement of Latif has come amidst a complicated diplomatic and financial deadlock. ICC is likely to lose Rs 5,720 crore in the value of media rights. However, this loss will only happen if India doesn't play in this tournament. If the original host Pakistan pulls out, then ICC will lose only Rs 635 crore. In such a situation, ICC would want India to play at any cost so that it can save about Rs 5085 crore.

During a recent event, Rashid Latif said that Pakistan should now boycott the Champions Trophy. PCB should take this step before BCCI takes this step. The Champions Trophy should not happen anymore. We have always been made scapegoats. Whether it is the Afghan war or cricket. PCB, ACB, and ICC are the same, they cannot fight against BCCI. They have got a chance to push Pakistan forward. We have joined hands and are fighting against it, but the only fear is that if India boycotts, where will we stand?

This is the result of the longstanding tension between BCCI and PCB, which has seen the Indian government adamant not to send its cricket team to Pakistan. The financial implications are huge. Main broadcaster Star India has warned the ICC that India's withdrawal would wipe out 90% of the value of the tournament's media rights, while Pakistan's withdrawal would reduce the value by 10%.