Former Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Najam Sethi has been sounding off on the International Cricket Council’s alleged wholesale submission to the Board of Control for Cricket in India. His utterances come at a time when uncertainty prevails over the Champions Trophy 2025 slated for Pakistan.
Speaking to a local news channel, Sethi claimed the ICC has become heavily reliant on the BCCI, compromising its independence. “The ICC is weak and will never challenge the BCCI because it depends on BCCI’s revenue,” Sethi remarked. He further alleged that the appointment of Jay Shah, son of Indian Home Minister Amit Shah, as ICC chairman would deepen BCCI’s control. “ICC is no longer ICC; it’s effectively BCCI now,” he said.
Similar to the Asia Cup row last year, when India did not budge to travel to Pakistan and the model had to be a hybrid one, Sethi said disputes like this can never be sorted by cricket boards. He exclaimed: “The debate between ICC, PCB, and BCCI is futile. Once the Indian government gives the nod, their team will be on the next flight to Pakistan.”
“If Pakistan’s government holds talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, there’s a possibility he would allow India’s side to play the Champions Trophy,” he said Sethi added that dialogue at the highest level could break the deadlock.
Meanwhile, the PCB has officially sought an explanation from ICC in this regard where India had refused to present within the country. According to sources, it is learnt that the PCB has demanded documentation on this matter, along with official communication on what BCCI held as the reason for pull-out. The PCB further wants clarification as to how ICC would solve this issue.
Meanwhile, the same Champions Trophy is in the hands of the diplomats and the ICC as far as any positive output is concerned. Whether it will be held in Pakistan according to the schedule or not is left in the hands of fortune.
