By Zainab Shafiq 
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has agreed to the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) request, ensuring that countries cannot use security concerns as a pretext for avoiding participation in the 2025 Champions Trophy in Pakistan. Previous objections from the management committee have been resolved after discussions based on ICC documents and legal advice.
While ICC Chairman Greg Barclay and CEO Geoff Allardice visited Pakistan in May, the issue persisted until recently. Pakistan’s condition, seeking an independent security agency assessment if any country refuses to participate due to security grounds, has been accepted by the ICC. The hosting plans currently involve all matches taking place in Pakistan, but uncertainties loom over the Indian team’s potential participation due to concerns within the Indian government.
A decision regarding India’s involvement is pending, and if they opt out, there’s a possibility of relocating some matches to the UAE, with the ICC covering additional expenses. PCB management committee head Zaka Ashraf recently met with Khalid Al Zarooni, Vice Chairman of the Emirates Cricket Board, though the Champions Trophy wasn’t explicitly discussed. Despite this, the UAE has expressed strong cooperation with Pakistan.
The ICC had previously awarded hosting rights to Pakistan, and the formal agreement was recently signed in Dubai after prolonged negotiations. PCB has informed the government about the necessity for robust security measures, receiving assurances of cooperation from security agencies during a meeting between Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar and the Chairman of the PCB Management Committee.
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