Champions Trophy: ICC board meeting adjourned without decision

DUBAI: The International Cricket Council (ICC) board meeting held on Friday in order to answer questions pertaining to the 2025 Champions Trophy was adjourned without a decision being reached.

The ICC board meeting was adjourned until tomorrow without any official announcement being made. Sources claimed that the meeting lasted for 10 to 15 minutes and featured all board members. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) reiterated its previously stated position regarding the location of the tournament during the meeting.

A hybrid model was touted as the best solution to the issue created by India’s refusal to trial, however the PBC have been firm in its refusal of such an option.

“PCB’s stance on the Hybrid model is clear,” Naqvi was quoted as saying before the meeting took place. “We want the champions Trophy to be held in Pakistan,” he stated, before adding that “Pakistan is making full preparations for the Champions Trophy.”

Champions Trophy: Possible outcomes of the ICC board meeting

Officials from the International Cricket Council will present various options to the PCB in tomorrow’s meeting, according to sources.

The question of where the tournament will be held still remains. The most likely options include the hybrid model, which the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) are pushing for, the removal of India from the tournament, possibly to be replaced by Sri Lanka, or the stripping of hosting rights from Pakistan, in order to host the event in a completely new location.

Earlier media reports stated that the ICC are in favour of the hybrid model, and were ready to offer financial incentive for the PCB to agree to such an option. However, as the PCB have remained steadfast, it seems as if either India will be replaced by another team, or Pakistan will be stripped of hosting rights. The only other option is for India to agree to travel to Pakistan. Media reports stated in October that the PCB have offered for the Indian team to be allowed to head back to Chandigarh or New Delhi after each of their games.

Regardless of the decision, the threat of legal action from ICC partnered broadcasters looms, as an absence of marquee matches featuring Pakistan and India would result in a large loss in viewership.

Champions Trophy: PCB proposal regarding India’s travel