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England Backs Pakistan As Champions Trophy Host Amid India's Oppose

Anurag Dasgupta

PCB get backing from ECB [Source: @TheRealPCB/X.Com] PCB get backing from ECB [Source: @TheRealPCB/X.Com]

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The Champions Trophy is just months away and still there is no sign as to which nation wil host the mega event. Pakistan is the host nation, but they face an uphill battle as India have rejected coming to their nation and have demanded a hybrid model.

However, this wasn't taken in a good way by PCB as they outright rejected BCCI's hybrid model demand and have asked the ICC to intervene in the matter. The hosting rights of the event has become a mystery as both the boards are adamant on their verdicts. However, there is one nation which has openly announced its alliance with the PCB - England.

Recently, PCB chief, Mohsin Naqvi met with ECB head Richard Thomson. The chairman of the England and Wales Cricket Board, Richard Thomson had positive verdicts when it came to the preparations for the Champions Trophy and gave his vote of confidence to Naqvi.

In a statement released by PCB on Saturday, ECB chief stated that Pakistan's preparations for the mega event is going according to the plans and in reply, Naqvi mentioned that all the travelling teams will be given state guest protocol.

BCCI oppose PCB's Champions Trophy tour

On Friday, Pakistan triggered the India and BCCI by having the Champions Trophy tour in the Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (POK). It was understood to be a political dig by the Pakistan board and this made BCCI Secretary Jay Shah furious who lodged his complain with the ICC.

The governing body then outright rejected PCB's trophy tour plans and PCB then had no choice but to drop POK from its plans. 

“Get ready, Pakistan! The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 trophy tour kicks off in Islamabad on 16 November, also visiting scenic travel destinations like Skardu, Murree, Hunza and Muzaffarabad. Catch a glimpse of the trophy which Sarfaraz Ahmed lifted in 2017 at The Oval, from 16-24 November," PCB's statement when they announced the trophy tour.

With just a couple of months to go, the fate of the event is yet to be decided as the mega event looms in dark.