Final Call: Decision on the Future of the Champions Trophy Expected Today
Islamabad: The final decision regarding the future of the ICC Champions Trophy is expected today, as the International Cricket Council (ICC) Board meeting is scheduled to take place in Dubai. PCB Chairman, Najam Sethi, will depart for Dubai in the morning to attend the crucial meeting on the Champions Trophy.
Pakistan’s proposed partnership or fusion formula,
which involves neutral venues for matches involving India, has failed to attract interest from the Indian Cricket Board (BCCI). ICC’s new Chairman, Jay Shah, is set to meet with board members today to discuss the matter. During the meeting, India will be expected to either approve or reject the partnership proposal.
Interestingly, the agenda does not include any discussions about India’s refusal to tour Pakistan, which has been considered a “introductory” session by Jay Shah. However, sources suggest that the Champions Trophy’s future will be decided in today’s meeting.
To recap, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) proposed a partnership agreement under which India would play its Champions Trophy matches in Dubai, a neutral venue, while Pakistan would also play its ICC events in neutral venues when hosted by India. However, due to disagreement over the partnership model, a vote will be taken. Reports from India indicate that the BCCI has rejected PCB’s partnership formula.
The outcome of the ICC meeting today will determine whether the Champions Trophy will proceed as planned. This would be the first time in several years that Pakistan will host a major ICC event, with the Champions Trophy 2025 set to take place from February 19 to March 19 next year, across three major Pakistani cities: Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi.
However, due to the Indian government’s refusal to allow its team to tour Pakistan, BCCI had previously suggested moving their matches to neutral venues. On the other hand, the PCB remains firm in its stance, refusing to hold the tournament without India’s participation and insists that matches be played in Pakistan.
Since the 2008 Asia Cup, India has not played any international matches in Pakistan. Furthermore, there has been no bilateral series between the two nations since Pakistan toured India in 2012. Last year, Pakistan hosted the Asia Cup, but India refused to travel, and as a result, a hybrid model was adopted, with India’s matches scheduled in Sri Lanka. India won the Asia Cup, defeating Sri Lanka in the final.
Pakistan will enter the 2025 Champions Trophy as the defending champion, having last won the title in 2017 under the captaincy of Sarfaraz Ahmed.
