The apex cricket governing body International Cricket Council‘s (ICC) board meeting on the debatable Champions Trophy 2025 tournament concluded without a conclusive resolution on Friday (November 29). The brief 20-minute gathering brought together all 15 board members, including 12 full members and three representatives from associate nations but failed to break the standstill around the tournament’s hosting arrangements.
The Champions Trophy 2025 has been facing diplomatic issues, primarily due to the ongoing tensions between the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Originally slated to be hosted entirely in Pakistan, but due to India’s reluctance to travel to Pakistan for matches, the tournament’s scheduling hasn’t reached its conclusion.
Pakistan has been eagerly looking forward to their first major ICC tournament in nearly three decades, seeing it as a crucial opportunity to see the return of international cricket to its soil. However, recent developments, including a shortened Sri Lanka A tour due to protests in Islamabad, have put uncertainty on Pakistan’s ability to host international cricket safely.
The Indian board seemingly has a huge influence within the ICC, being the highest revenue generator for the international committee. With the former BCCI secretary, Jay Shah, set to chair the ICC, India’s preferences are given substantial importance. The proposed solution a hybrid format similar to the 2023 Asia Cup has been met with strong resistance from the PCB.
PCB firm in its previous stance against the Hybrid model for the Champions Trophy
Pakistan remains solid in rejecting the hybrid model, particularly objecting to the suggestion of neutral venues for knockout matches and the final. The PCB’s primary concern is maintaining the tournament’s integrity and its complete hosting rights.
Sources close to the matter as per Cricbuzz, have revealed that the reconvened meeting may take more than 24 hours to materialize. The board members are committed to finding a diplomatic solution that addresses the concerns of both the PCB and BCCI while maintaining the tournament’s prestige.
The proposed hybrid format would likely see India play its matches at a neutral venue, potentially the United Arab Emirates (UAE) while keeping other matches in Pakistan. However, the PCB has made it clear that such an arrangement was unacceptable.