New Delhi, 27 November 2024 – The International Cricket Council (ICC) board is set to meet virtually on November 29 to finalize the long-delayed schedule for the 2025 Champions Trophy, slated to take place in Pakistan in February and March. The delay stems from India’s reluctance to play in Pakistan due to strained political ties, a stance that has persisted since the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks.
“The ICC board will meet on November 29 to discuss the Champions Trophy schedule,” an ICC spokesperson confirmed to PTI on Tuesday.
India’s Board of Control for Cricket (BCCI) has proposed a hybrid model, suggesting Indian matches be held in a neutral venue, preferably the UAE, an arrangement the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has resisted so far.
The virtual meeting precedes a leadership transition at the ICC, with BCCI Secretary Jay Shah set to assume the role of ICC chairman on December 1. Resolving the ongoing impasse is seen as a priority before the new leadership takes charge.
Criticism has surfaced against ICC Chair Greg Barclay and CEO Geoff Allardice for leaving the issue unresolved until the eleventh hour. Despite the delay, sources indicate that a hybrid model is the most likely compromise, given the Indian government’s firm stance on not playing in Pakistan.
To facilitate this arrangement, the PCB is expected to be offered financial incentives in addition to the $70 million hosting fee. A similar precedent was set during last year’s Asia Cup, where India’s matches were held in Sri Lanka while Pakistan hosted four group-stage games.
For Pakistan, hosting the Champions Trophy holds significant importance, as it will mark the country’s first ICC event since co-hosting the 1996 World Cup. The PCB has invested heavily in upgrading stadiums in Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi to meet international standards.
Recent tours by teams such as England and Australia had reignited hopes of Pakistan becoming a regular host for global cricket, following years of isolation after the 2009 attack on the Sri Lankan team bus. However, fan expectations remain high, with many demanding that all Champions Trophy matches be held within Pakistan.
Adding to the tension, PCB officials have warned they may refuse to send Pakistani teams to India for future ICC events if India does not participate fully in the Champions Trophy. Despite this, Pakistan’s cricket team visited India for the ODI World Cup last year, marking its first tour to the country in seven years.
India and Pakistan, whose matches draw massive global audiences, currently only face each other in ICC tournaments and the Asia Cup. Whether the upcoming ICC meeting can find common ground between the two cricketing giants remains to be seen.
