WATCH: Pakistani journalist claps back at Indian anchor’s claim about cricket funding

In a heated exchange on live television, a bold statement by Indian journalist Arnab Goswami claiming that India holds the power to collapse Pakistan's cricket system has been met with a firm rebuttal from Pakistani journalist Hafiz Imran.

The confrontation, which took place during a discussion on the 2025 Champions Trophy, has ignited widespread debate across social media.

During the broadcast, Goswami asserted, "We are the bosses of cricket. You need to understand that you don't have enough money to control India. If the Indian Prime Minister decides to stop funding Pakistani cricket, your entire cricket system would collapse. This is the reality you must accept. You are trying to fight us, but you simply can't."

However, Hafiz Imran wasted no time in countering this claim, pointing out the flaws in Goswami's argument. "You are not the boss. You have no choice but to look towards us," Imran stated, firmly rejecting the notion that India alone holds sway over global cricket finances.

Imran further elaborated, "It’s a huge misconception on your part to think that the ICC’s funding comes solely from India. If India funds the ICC, does that revenue come from India vs. India matches? No, it doesn’t. This revenue is generated by playing against Pakistan, England, Australia, Bangladesh, and other nations. If you’re so proud of your market, then create your own world and isolate yourselves. Say you’ll only play cricket within India—India A against Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Mumbai, or Delhi."

As Goswami tried to interrupt, Imran remained resolute, adding, "When you play against the rest of the world, all cricket boards share in the profits. It’s because of these global partnerships that your industry thrives. And if you don't like that answer, I have a remedy. The Indian media misleads the public by claiming that you fund everything. It’s not funding; it’s a business partnership."

Imran continued, pointing out the commercial nature of cricket, saying, "Go to any businessman and ask if they can earn money by playing alone. But the problem is, you don’t want to hear the truth."

The discussion also touched on the upcoming 2025 Champions Trophy, which will take place in Pakistan from February 19 to March 9. Matches are scheduled across Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi, with Lahore hosting seven matches, including the final. Karachi’s National Stadium will open the tournament and stage one semi-final, while Rawalpindi will host five matches, including the second semi-final.

Despite the ongoing tensions over India’s reluctance to travel to Pakistan for the event, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has made it clear that the tournament will proceed as planned in Pakistan. The PCB has sent a letter to the International Cricket Council (ICC), seeking an official explanation for India’s refusal to participate on Pakistani soil.

India’s refusal to tour Pakistan has led to suggestions from the Indian media that the Champions Trophy could be played under a hybrid model, with India's matches held in Dubai. However, PCB Chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, has categorically rejected this idea, insisting that the tournament will take place exclusively in Pakistan, with no hybrid model entertained.

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