The drama around Champions Trophy 2025 isn't fully over yet as ICC board meeting, which was supposed to be held on November 5 to decide the fate of the mega tournament, has been postponed even further after a brief discussion. The meeting will finally take place on December 7. Notably, there was discussion for few minutes today where ICC told Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to accept hybrid model as that's the only option they are left with.
ICC board meeting for Champions Trophy 2025 postponed
ICC had scheduled a crucial meeting on Thursday, December 5th, to address the ongoing issues surrounding the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The meeting was set to commence at 3:30 PM UAE time (5 PM IST), with newly appointed ICC chairman Jay Shah presiding over the discussions. However, just moments before the meeting was due to start, the ICC made the decision to postpone it. Meanwhile, ICC has clearly made it clear to PCB that hybrid model is the only way out to stage the upcoming showpiece tournament and advised them to accept it without imposing any additional conditions.
The ICC had initially planned to resolve the issue around Champions Trophy 2025 through negotiations through this meeting, which was attended by 12 full members, three associate members, and the ICC Chairman, which has only gotten pushed so far with no official announcement. The earlier meeting was already adjourned after the PCB refused to accept the proposed changes.
ALSO READ: Star player to make debut as India announce playing XI for big clash against Australia
After the previous ICC board members meeting, PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi hinted on accepting the hybrid model but certainly tagging it with conditions. PCB had proposed a long-term, equitable agreement with the BCCI and the ICC. They proposed that Pakistan would not play any matches in India in the next three years cycle which also includes the marquee T20 World Cup 2026. Notably, PCB had asked for hybrid model for global tournament which will be held in India. However, The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) clearly rejected their demands of not playing matches in India during the tournament which will be hosted by India.
However, the exact duration of the agreement between the BCCI and the ICC is still being negotiated. Potential options include a three-year term or an extension to the end of the current rights cycle in 2031.
Notably, India is set to host a series of significant ICC events in the coming years, including the T20 World Cup 2026, the Women's ODI World Cup, the 2029 Champions Trophy, and the 2031 World Cup. Moreover, India is scheduled to host the 2025 Asia Cup, although this event is not under the direct purview of the ICC.
Meanwhile, the ICC is yet to come out with an official announcement on Champions Trophy 2025, which is just 77 days away and the governing body has yet to release the tournament schedule, which is typically announced 100 days prior to the event.
