The International Cricket Council (ICC) has scheduled a virtual board meeting on November 29 to determine the fate of the 2025 Champions Trophy amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan.
With India unwilling to travel to Pakistan and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) rejecting a hybrid model, the meeting is expected to involve a vote to find a resolution once and for all.
Key Issues at Stake
The eight-team ODI tournament is tentatively set to take place between February 19 and March, but no formal schedule or dates have been announced.
Traditionally, the ICC releases the schedule for global tournaments at least 100 days in advance, but India’s refusal to send their team to Pakistan has delayed this process. The Indian government communicated its decision to the ICC two weeks ago, citing security concerns, leaving the tournament in limbo.
The PCB, who were awarded the hosting rights for the 2025 Champions Trophy in 2021, has formally questioned the ICC regarding the reasons provided by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the timeline of their communication. However, a PCB official confirmed that they have yet to receive a response from the ICC.
PCB Stands Firm
PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi remains adamant about hosting the tournament entirely in Pakistan, with matches planned across Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi. Naqvi has expressed a willingness to engage in dialogue with the BCCI to resolve the deadlock but has reiterated Pakistan’s stance against adopting a hybrid hosting model.
An ICC spokesperson confirmed the upcoming meeting, but the PCB has not issued any official comment yet. Meanwhile, Naqvi, who also serves as Pakistan’s interior minister, has been occupied with addressing political unrest in Islamabad over the past few days.
Upcoming Leadership Changes
The meeting will mark the final ICC board session chaired by outgoing ICC chairman Greg Barclay, whose term ends on December 1. He will be succeeded by Jay Shah, BCCI secretary and a key player in the Champions Trophy discussions. Shah’s involvement is expected to heavily influence the outcome of the meeting.
The ICC Board includes representatives from 12 Full Member nations, three Associate Members, an independent director, and the ICC chairman and CEO. The board is tasked with achieving a consensus to ensure the tournament proceeds without further delay.
What’s Next?
The meeting’s outcome will likely determine whether the Champions Trophy will be played entirely in Pakistan, shifted to a hybrid model, or moved to a neutral venue. With both nations refusing to budge on their positions, the decision could set a precedent for future cross-border cricket relations.
