Dubai, November 29, 2024 – The International Cricket Council (ICC) has postponed a critical board meeting regarding the hosting of the Men’s Champions Trophy 2025. The meeting, held virtually on Friday, lasted just 15 minutes without reaching a conclusion. According to sources, the next session will be held within 24 to 48 hours.
During the meeting, both the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) presented their proposals concerning the tournament’s hosting. The ICC concluded the session by urging both boards to arrive at a mutually agreeable solution with the council’s assistance.
Media citing sources revealed that the ICC is exploring several options, including
- Hosting the tournament entirely in Pakistan: This option appears unlikely due to India’s significant commercial influence.
- Hybrid Model: Pakistan would host most matches, while games involving India could take place at a neutral venue, likely the UAE. While the PCB has already rejected this model, ICC insiders insist it remains a viable option. If pursued, the PCB is expected to demand that all Pakistan matches, including its group-stage clash with India, be held in Pakistan.
- Relocating the event entirely: The tournament could be moved to a neutral venue if no consensus is reached.
- Postponing the event: Delaying the tournament to a later date is also on the table.
The PCB has firmly rejected the hybrid model but emphasized that it remains open to a solution that ensures fairness. The board has also formally asked the ICC to provide detailed and actionable proposals and has called on the BCCI to submit its position in writing, including justifications for its refusal to tour Pakistan.
The ICC recognizes that a Pakistan-India match is critical to the tournament’s commercial success. However, finding a resolution acceptable to both parties remains challenging. While rare, there are precedents in global sports where teams have been replaced due to their inability to participate in events hosted by specific countries.
Speculation also suggests that the ICC might consider stripping Pakistan of hosting rights entirely as leverage to soften its stance, a move the PCB is expected to strongly oppose.
The PCB, which has nearly completed preparations for the event, maintains that it will not compromise on its hosting rights or dignity, reiterating its firm opposition to any arrangement that undermines Pakistan’s position as the host nation.
The ICC’s next meeting is expected to provide further clarity, as the global cricketing community awaits a resolution to the impasse.
