ICC’s Champions Trophy 2025 meet adjourned after brief debate

On Friday, November 29, a board meeting of the International Cricket Council (ICC), the highest cricket regulatory body, ended without a definitive decision about the contentious Champions Trophy 2025 competition. All 15 board members—12 full members and three representatives from associate nations—met for a quick 20-minute meeting, but it was ineffective in ending the impasse over the tournament’s hosting plans.

The persistent hostilities between the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have been the main cause of diplomatic problems around the Champions Trophy 2025. The event was initially supposed to be held fully in Pakistan, but the scheduling hasn’t been finalized because of India’s reluctance to travel there for matches.

As a vital chance to witness the return of international cricket to its territory, Pakistan has been excitedly anticipating their first major ICC tournament in almost thirty years. However, recent events have raised doubts about Pakistan’s capacity to host international cricket in a secure manner, like as the cancellation of the Sri Lanka A visit because of riots in Islamabad.

Being the international committee’s largest source of income, the Indian board appears to have significant sway inside the ICC. India’s recommendations are given significant weight because Jay Shah, the former secretary of the BCCI, is expected to lead the ICC. The PCB has strongly objected to the suggested alternative, which is a hybrid format akin to the 2023 Asia Cup.

The PCB company previously opposed the hybrid approach for the Champions Trophy.

Pakistan is steadfast in its opposition to the hybrid concept, especially to the idea of neutral locations for the final and knockout stages. Preserving the tournament’s integrity and full hosting rights is the PCB’s top priority.

According to people familiar with the situation, it might take longer than 24 hours for the rescheduled meeting to take place. The board members are dedicated to resolving the issue amicably while preserving the tournament’s reputation and taking into account the concerns of the PCB and BCCI.

Under the suggested hybrid format, India would probably play some of its matches in Pakistan and some at a neutral location, maybe the United Arab Emirates (UAE). But the PCB has stated unequivocally that such a deal was unacceptable.