The International Cricket Council (ICC) is set to convene a board meeting on Friday, December 5, to address the ongoing dispute between India and Pakistan concerning the schedule, hosting rights, and venues for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Newly appointed ICC chairman Jay Shah will preside over his inaugural meeting with the board members.
While Pakistan has been designated as the host nation for the tournament, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has declined to travel across the border, citing security concerns. Pakistan, in turn, has dismissed India’s proposed hybrid hosting model, leading to deliberations on the examination of other options for the key event.
Jay Shah to Chair His Inaugural ICC Meeting on December 5
As per a report by ESPNCricinfo, the ICC has provisionally planned a meeting for December 5 to finalize the schedule for the Champions Trophy 2025. Former BCCI secretary Jay Shah is anticipated to preside over the meeting, replacing deputy chairperson Imran Khwaja. The primary focus of the session will be to address and resolve issues surrounding the ICC tournament. However, there has been no official confirmation regarding BCCI’s participation in the meeting.
Pakistan Offers “Partnership or Fusion Formula” for ICC Champions Trophy 2025
The stalemate has persisted since the brief 15-minute meeting on November 29, during which the ICC issued an ultimatum to Pakistan: accept the hybrid model or forfeit hosting rights. The BCCI has remained firm in its stance, refusing to send the Indian team to Pakistan for the tournament.
Interestingly, while the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) initially dismissed the hybrid model, they later proposed a “Partnership or Fusion Formula.” This revised proposal seeks to implement the hybrid model for all future ICC events in India through 2031, including the 2026 T20 World Cup, with India-Pakistan matches being held at neutral venues.
Before attending the ICC meeting PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi stated, “A one-sided arrangement is no longer acceptable. It cannot be the case that we continue to go to India, but they do not visit Pakistan. Whatever happens, must be on the basis of equality,”
ICC Aims to Resolve Scheduling Issues in Forthcoming Meeting
The ICC board is set to reach a definitive decision on the schedule during its meeting on December 5, where it will also assess the new model proposed by the PCB. Both the BCCI and PCB will require governmental approval for the proposed arrangement, and the final decision will be determined through voting among the board members.
The prospect of the Champions Trophy 2025 proceeding without Team India appears unlikely, given the BCCI’s significant financial influence. Consequently, Pakistan may need to accept a hybrid model, where only India’s matches are held at neutral venues. This arrangement could, however, enable Pakistan to secure a more advantageous financial agreement.
The Champions Trophy 2025 is scheduled to be held in Pakistan from February 19 to March 9, with matches scheduled across Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Karachi. Should a hybrid model be implemented, India’s fixtures will be relocated to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
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Jasir Basharat is a cricket enthusiast capturing the heart of the game through insightful analysis and storytelling sharing his passion for the sport through engaging narratives. He is a business graduate from University of Kashmir.
