The eagerly anticipated return of the Champions Trophy, after an eight-year hiatus, has been overshadowed by controversy as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) find themselves embroiled in a dispute over the hosting rights.

The BCCI, led by President Roger Binny, has firmly rejected the idea of sending the Indian team to Pakistan, citing security concerns. While the PCB is steadfast in its position to host the entire tournament in Pakistan, the BCCI is advocating for a hybrid model, which would see some matches played at neutral venues. The stakes are particularly high for Pakistan, which is the defending champion and will be hosting its first ICC event since the 1996 World Cup, a moment of national pride.