ISLAMABAD: The future of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 remains shrouded in uncertainty as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has made it clear to the International Cricket Council (ICC) that it will only accept a solution aligned with its position.
This development comes just ahead of what was supposed to be a pivotal ICC Board meeting to address the ongoing controversy after India’s refusal to send its cricket team for the mega tournament to be played in Pakistan next year, sources informed WE News.
Originally scheduled for today (Saturday), the ICC Board meeting was postponed after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) requested additional time following Pakistan’s firm stance on the matter.
Reports indicate that no significant progress will occur until the ICC presents a reasonable and viable hosting formula. Nevertheless, the PCB’s position on hosting remains steadfast.
Following a recent meeting with the ICC and other cricket boards, the PCB reached out to various stakeholders to gauge their perspectives.
Just prior to the meeting, a brief gathering of ICC board members was held, lasting only 15 minutes. During this meeting, it was agreed that Pakistan and India would collaborate under ICC guidance to identify a mutually acceptable hosting arrangement for the mega tournament.
The urgency of the situation arises from India’s refusal to play in Pakistan, coupled with the PCB’s firm rejection of a hybrid model that would see matches split between the two nations.
Pakistan has made it clear that should India continue to refuse to travel for matches, it would reciprocate by boycotting future events hosted in India.
Sources from within the ICC revealed that initial discussions during the short meeting suggested a consensus for both countries to explore a workable solution, possibly involving two to three other member boards as facilitators in the negotiations. It is expected that this process will reach a resolution within the next 24 to 48 hours.
While the Champions Trophy is scheduled to be hosted by Pakistan, doubts loom large due to India’s unwillingness to send its team to Pakistan for matches. The PCB has repeatedly asserted that a hybrid model is not an acceptable option.
During the brief ICC meeting and in previous interactions with ICC leadership, Pakistan emphasized that equitable treatment among all cricket boards is essential.
Both Pakistan and India cricket boards will consult their respective governments before finalizing any arrangements regarding the tournament.
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An ICC spokesperson has acknowledged the discussions, stating, “The board held a brief meeting today, and all members are committed to resolving the Champions Trophy issue amicably. Additional meetings are planned in the coming days.”
Further discussions regarding the future of the Champions Trophy are set to continue over the weekend. Meanwhile, BCCI vice-president Rajiv Shukla confirmed ongoing talks with the PCB, stating that the board would adhere to its government’s directives.
India’s foreign office spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, highlighted security concerns as a primary factor in the BCCI’s hesitancy to travel to Pakistan, noting that the board had expressed doubts about the safety of a visit.
This statement, released during a weekly press briefing, contrasts with the BCCI’s earlier assertions, which cited government restrictions as the reason for not visiting.
As of Saturday morning, no official statement had been released by the BCCI about the Champions Trophy.
