Where will the Champions Trophy be played? ICC to take final call after November 29 meeting
The ICC Board has scheduled a meeting on November 29 to arrive at a clear answer regarding the hosting of the 2025 Champions Trophy.
With India unwilling to travel to Pakistan and the PCB rejecting the hybrid model proposal that would allow games to be played in a second country, a consensus among board members remains elusive.
The situation has led the ICC to organize a virtual discussion to explore a solution. According to ESPNcricinfo, the final decision will likely involve a vote by the participating nations to break the deadlock.
The eight-team ODI tournament, which has been earmarked to begin on February 19 and conclude in March, still lacks formal announced dates and a schedule.
Historically, the ICC releases such schedules at least 100 days prior to global events, but a delay caused by the Indian government’s refusal to allow Rohit Sharma’s team to compete in Pakistan has disrupted preparations.
The BCCI informed the ICC of this decision a fortnight ago, prompting the PCB to write to the ICC seeking clarification and posing several questions. However, as of yet, no official response has been provided.
The PCB chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, has taken a steadfast position, insisting the entire tournament be held in Pakistan at its designated venues: Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi.
While he remains open to a dialogue with the BCCI to resolve the matter, he has emphasized the need for a fair resolution. A spokesperson for the ICC has confirmed that this Friday’s meeting will address the issue, though the PCB has refrained from further comments for now.
The meeting also marks a significant moment as it coincides with the conclusion of ICC chair Greg Barclay’s tenure. The representatives from 12 Full Member countries, three Associate nations, and ICC executives, including its CEO, will participate.
On Sunday, December 1st, Jay Shah, the BCCI secretary, will replace Barclay as chair, potentially influencing future negotiations surrounding the Champions Trophy and India-Pakistan relations.
Complicating matters further, Naqvi, who also serves as Pakistan’s interior minister, has been preoccupied with political protests in Islamabad led by PTI, the party of former prime minister and cricket captain Imran Khan.
Amid these challenges, the PCB remains firm in its resolve to host the event, as the ICC deliberates its final call.