Amid mounting uncertainty over the fate of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, the International Cricket Council (ICC) is set to hold an emergency meeting on November 26, India Today has learnt. The meeting will bring together top officials from cricket boards across all the participating nations, including ones from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to address the ongoing concerns over the venues.
The controversy stems from the BCCI’s decision, guided by the Indian government, to decline sending the Indian cricket team to Pakistan, citing safety concerns in the host country amid tense bilateral relations. The stance has fuelled speculation regarding the tournament’s future and the viability of Pakistan as its host.
The ICC will act as a mediator during the meeting, aiming to find a resolution that satisfies all stakeholders. Key issues on the agenda include addressing the BCCI’s safety concerns, the PCB’s insistence on retaining hosting rights, and potential alternatives such as a hybrid model. This model, which proposes splitting matches between neutral venues and Pakistan, has been consistently opposed by the PCB, who argue it undermines their authority as hosts.
Key points of discussion (according to exclusive inside scoop)
- . India vs Pakistan game and groups.
- . Hosting semifinal and final in a neutral venue
- . If Pakistan continue to oppose hybrid model, what next?
- . Chances of moving entire Champions Trophy to a neutral venue
- . Champions Trophy without Pakistan
Earlier, the PCB had announced a trophy tour that included the disputed Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (POK) region, along with cities such as Islamabad, Taxila, and Khanpur. However, following a complaint by the BCCI, the ICC revised the itinerary. The revised tour now covers various cities across Pakistan until November 25, after which the trophy will travel to the seven other participating nations. In India, the trophy will be displayed across several cities from January 15 to 26 before returning to Pakistan on January 27, marking the final leg of its global journey.
The Champions Trophy, a marquee 50-over tournament, holds significant importance for international cricket, and its successful execution is pivotal for the ICC. The discussions on November 26 are expected to play a crucial role in determining whether the tournament can proceed as planned or if alternative arrangements need to be made. Both boards are under pressure to prioritize the sport while balancing geopolitical sensitivities.
