ICC Meeting Fails to Resolve India-Pakistan Standoff Over 2025 Champions Trophy
The International Cricket Council’s (ICC) virtual meeting on Friday, aimed at resolving the ongoing dispute over the 2025 Champions Trophy, lasted just over 15 minutes, with no breakthrough in the deadlock between India and Pakistan. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) remains firm on its stance of not traveling to Pakistan to play in the tournament, while the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) continues to reject the hybrid model proposed, which would allow India to play its matches at a neutral venue.
With the dispute unresolved, moving the Champions Trophy out of Pakistan seems to be the most likely outcome. In such a scenario, the tournament could proceed without Pakistan unless they agree to the hybrid model.
Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali expressed frustration over the ongoing deadlock, suggesting it would be impossible to host the tournament without both India and Pakistan involved. Speaking in a video on his YouTube channel, Basit questioned the outcome of the ICC meeting, saying, “Who won in the meeting — ICC, BCCI, or PCB? How could the meeting end so quickly?”
He also remarked, “Now they will know, the Indian board has united Pakistan,” referring to the growing sentiment in Pakistan, with even those who previously opposed the PCB now supporting Chairman Mohsin Naqvi’s position.
The ICC is expected to hold another Board meeting in the coming days to make a final decision regarding the tournament, scheduled to take place from February 19 to March 9 next year.
BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla addressed the media, confirming that talks with the PCB are ongoing, with the ICC doing its best to mediate. “Our position is very clear; whatever our government tells us, we will do that,” Shukla said, reiterating BCCI’s position.
The Champions Trophy, which has been absent from the ICC calendar for seven years, is set to return in 2025, but its future is still uncertain as the India-Pakistan standoff continues to disrupt the planning.
