Champions Trophy 2025: More shame for Pakistan as Champions Trophy hosts!

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In what can be termed as yet another slap on the face for the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), not being allowed to host a captains' gathering event or photo shoot before the Champions Trophy definitely causes more embarrassment.

It is well known, the International Cricket Council (ICC) had kept Pakistan on tenterhooks for so long relating to the Champions Trophy. Even now, though social media handles from Pakistani portray 'completed stadia' in their own country, images seen are different. There has been a delay, and it is face-saving the ICC is keeping quiet.

Back to how the Champions Trophy has been watered down, definitely, India has flexed its muscles. Nobody will tell you, how much clout the BCCI wields today. If one needed further proof of this, one should read a column penned by Ian Chappell recently in ESPN Cricinfo. He was talking of how much Indian can show financial muscle. But, perhaps, he forgot another layer, where India calls the shots. OK, the T-shirt/jersey will have the name of Pakistan as a host, but they have nothing beyond that to show. At first, there was unverified news coming from Pakistan that Indian skipper Rohit Sharma would have to travel across the border for an opening ceremony. That was, again, kite-flying by Pakistan. Within their own country in Pakistan, they can blow their own trumpet. Nobody minds it.

For India, Pakistan does not matter at all, other than a mandatory match in the Champions Trophy which will be held in Dubai on February 23. To be sure, India vs Pakistan no longer has the same charm like before. In terms of win/loss record, the number of times Pakistan has lost to India is so high. Back to the hosting stuff, Pakistan and its own board will peddle more lies. Truth is, each time they say something, the contrary happens. Imagine, if India are to host a blue-riband ICC event, there will be pomp and show.

Pakistan is celebrating how Virat Kohli could draw so much crowd for a Ranji Trophy match in Delhi. His marquee presence has been fantastic, even though some trolls still point out flaws. Never mind, such is the aura of Kohli, he stays a crowd-puller. Even though Kohli will not be there as a player for the ICC T20 World Cup in 2026 at home, he can still be a brand ambassador. After all, the face of Virat Kohli was showcased by the ICC for the inclusion of T20 format in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

In comparison, Pakistan have nothing to showcase as hosts of the Champions Trophy. They should thank their stars they still are able to show their face at home, since PCB boss Mohsin Naqvi's lies have been exposed to the hilt. Imagine, there is a wedding reception at home and your neighbours are celebrating it, how would it feel? This is exactly how Pakistan has lost face. They cannot put on a full cricket show as the main star cast has refused to travel across the border - Team India.

If anything, Pakistan should keep quiet and hope their stadia are ready. Pictures don't tell lies as their stadia is still WIP (work in progress). One massive photo op which could have given them joy has also been snatched away. Who will Pakistan blame, the ICC or the BCCI!