The International Cricket Council (ICC) will likely announce the long-awaited resolution to the 2025 Champions Trophy issue this Wednesday (11th December 2024).
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has issued a strong request to the ICC, seeking written assurance that Pakistan will not be compelled to play against India in India during upcoming ICC tournaments, including the Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 and the Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 as the resolution draws to a close.
The PCB has agreed to host the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 under a hybrid model but only on the condition that future matches involving India and Pakistan in ICC events will be held at neutral venues. “Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) wants a written assurance from the world body (ICC) regarding a hybrid model for the future international events to be hosted by India,” sources revealed on December 9.
This demand follows the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)’s earlier announcement that Team India will not travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy due to security concerns, a decision communicated to both the PCB and ICC on November 12.
The PCB initially stood firm on hosting the Champions Trophy fully in Pakistan. However, PCB later proposed a hybrid or partnership model, suggesting that India-Pakistan matches be held in Dubai during the event. While the PCB eventually accepted the hybrid model, they introduced a key demand: Pakistan’s refusal to travel to India for ICC tournaments if India continues to avoid playing in Pakistan.
The disagreement has caused delays in finalizing the Champions Trophy 2025 schedule, which was initially expected to be announced by November 11. Despite multiple ICC meetings on November 29, December 5, and December 7, a resolution has not yet been reached. However, sources indicate that a decision is likely to be announced by Wednesday, December 11.
With just over two months remaining until the Champions Trophy, clarity is urgently needed to ensure smooth tournament planning. The outcome of this negotiation will not only impact the Champions Trophy 2025 but could set a precedent for how India-Pakistan cricketing ties are managed in ICC tournaments moving forward.