The all-powerful Board of the International Cricket Council (ICC) had a brief virtual meeting today and it’s understood that no decision has been made yet on the Champions Trophy 2025. It is further learnt that the Board will reconvene in the next few days and work towards a positive resolution of the multi-nation event which was originally scheduled to take place in Pakistan from February to March next year.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had already conveyed to the global cricket body about its decision of not travelling to Pakistan for the tournament. The Indian cricket board is understood to have asked for a hybrid model for the tournament where they play their games in UAE. Pakistan, however, have stuck to their stance and insisted that the entire tournament be played in their country.
Today’s meeting was expected to end the suspense but it’s likely to continue for next few days as no outcome was reached today. The tournament is already behind schedule as the fixtures, which were supposed to be released 100 days before the first game, haven’t been announced and there is no clarity to the broadcasters too about the host nation.
There are murmurs of the global body offering some financial incentive to Pakistan for pushing the hybrid model but the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), so far, have stuck to their original stand of hosting all games, including India fixtures, in their country. They have already commenced a massive upgradation drive of the venues shortlisted for the multi-nation tournament.