Mumbai/New Delhi, 30 Nov. 24: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has issued a clear ultimatum to Pakistan: accept the hybrid hosting model for the 2025 Champions Trophy or face exclusion from the tournament. This stance follows an inconclusive executive board meeting in Dubai on Friday, as Pakistan remained firm in rejecting the proposed arrangement.
The hybrid model, suggested due to India’s refusal to travel to Pakistan citing security concerns, would see India’s matches hosted in the UAE while Pakistan retains partial hosting rights. Despite sympathy from several ICC board members, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Mohsin Naqvi was advised that the hybrid model was the only “plausible solution” to ensure the event’s feasibility.
“Without India, no broadcaster will invest in an ICC event, and even Pakistan understands that,” said a senior ICC official. “If the PCB does not agree to the hybrid model, the tournament could be shifted entirely to another country, possibly the UAE, but it will proceed without Pakistan.”
The Friday meeting, chaired by deputy chairperson Imran Khwaja in the absence of outgoing head Greg Barclay, was brief. Naqvi reiterated Pakistan’s position, leaving the board deadlocked. This was Barclay’s final engagement before Jay Shah assumes ICC chairmanship next month.
“All parties are committed to resolving the issue and ensuring the Champions Trophy 2025 proceeds as planned. The board is expected to reconvene on Saturday and in the coming days to work towards a solution,” said an ICC board member representing a full member nation.
In New Delhi, the Ministry of External Affairs reaffirmed the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) position, citing security concerns as the reason for India’s non-participation in Pakistan-hosted matches.
The ICC faces mounting pressure to finalize a schedule for the tournament, set for February-March next year, as the clock ticks on a resolution to the impasse.
