ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Unresolved Tensions as Meeting Postponed, Hybrid Model at the Center of Debate

After much anticipation, the ICC Board meeting aimed at resolving the hosting situation for the 2025 Champions Trophy ended in disappointment, with no conclusive resolution reached. While Pakistan retains the hosting rights, the ongoing dispute over India’s refusal to travel across the border continues to create turmoil. Despite extensive discussions, the meeting failed to reach a resolution, and the next steps have been postponed until December 30th 2024.

ICC Meeting Ends in Disagreement Over Hosting Plans

The critical ICC Board meeting, which was expected to finalize the schedule for the upcoming Champions Trophy, lasted only briefly. The central issue India’s refusal to travel to Pakistan remains unresolved. Pakistan’s insistence on rejecting the Hybrid Model has left the ICC executive board without a clear consensus. As a result, another meeting has been scheduled for Saturday to continue the discussions.

A senior administrator from an ICC full member nation, who attended the meeting, mentioned, The Board did meet briefly today. All parties continue to work towards a positive resolution for the Champions Trophy 2025, and it is expected that the Board will reconvene on Saturday and continue meetings over the next few days.

Pakistan Cricket Board Chief Pushes Back Against Hybrid Model

PCB Chief Mohsin Naqvi, who has been in Dubai since Thursday, strongly rejected the Hybrid Model and remains firm on Pakistan hosting the entire tournament. His stance was clear during the meeting, despite the BCCI’s resistance due to ongoing government clearance issues preventing India from traveling to Pakistan. Jay Shah, BCCI Secretary, participated in the meeting virtually.

Hybrid Model: A Temporary Solution with Major Financial Implications

The Hybrid Model which would see some matches held at neutral venues has been touted as a plausible solution. However, the PCB’s rejection means that they risk forfeiting gate revenues, a hosting fee of USD six million, and potentially a significant portion of their annual revenue, which totals USD 35 million.

As the ICC faces mounting pressure to finalize a solution, it remains to be seen whether the stalemate over the Champions Trophy 2025 can be resolved, or if further delays will impact the tournament’s future. The conflict between the PCB and BCCI continues to hold up progress, with much still to be decided.