ICC Board Meeting Delayed; India Seeks More Time on Champions Trophy Hosting Decision

Islamabad: Pakistan’s firm stance on hosting the Champions Trophy has left India in a state of confusion, with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) requesting more time ahead of an ICC meeting scheduled for today.
The decision regarding the hosting of the ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan remains uncertain, as the International Cricket Council (ICC) has yet to formally schedule a meeting with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). Sources have revealed that after the meeting was postponed yesterday, no new meeting has been planned for today. A meeting will only be convened when the BCCI and PCB reach a consensus on the matter.
The ICC has skillfully positioned both boards to negotiate directly with one another, though there has been no immediate breakthrough in finding a lasting solution. While communication between the two boards continues, no official agreement has been reached as of now.
Pakistan has maintained its hardline stance, stating that if the Indian cricket team refuses to travel to Pakistan, then Pakistan will not participate in any ICC events held in India.
November 29 Meeting Postponed:
Yesterday’s crucial meeting to decide on the Champions Trophy hosting was delayed. In the meeting of ICC Board Directors, no final decision was made regarding whether Pakistan will host the event. The ICC has now instructed both boards to discuss the matter further over the next 24 to 48 hours.
In the short meeting that took place yesterday, both parties presented their proposals, which will be reviewed in today’s meeting. The ICC Board meeting, held in Dubai, included PCB Chairman Najam Sethi, among other cricket board heads, while several others joined via video conference.
During the meeting, Pakistan insisted on hosting the entire event in its own country and once again rejected the hybrid model proposal. The ICC presented a few alternative suggestions, but after initial discussions, the matter was deferred until Saturday.
Sources confirmed that both the PCB and BCCI would now consult their respective governments to facilitate a decision. The ICC is working towards finding a solution that is acceptable to both parties. Pakistan is expected to present the potential losses it might face if India does not send its team to Pakistan.
Pakistan Sticks to Its Position:
The PCB made it clear that it would not accept any compromise on the hybrid model for hosting the Champions Trophy, and it presented a detailed briefing on its position regarding the event’s organization. The Pakistani delegation was firm and clear in its stance, showing no flexibility.
Pakistan maintains that if any advantage is given to India in this situation, it will not compete against India in any future international events. This strong message was communicated to the ICC ahead of the meeting.
The BCCI, leveraging its sponsors and financial influence, is pushing for the ICC to implement the hybrid model for the event. However, the PCB has repeatedly made it clear that any decision regarding the Champions Trophy must be based on equality and fairness.
The PCB had already communicated its clear position to the ICC before the board meeting. Chairman Najam Sethi emphasized that while Pakistan may endure hardships, its pride and dignity would not be compromised. The PCB has already made near-complete preparations for the Champions Trophy, awaiting a final decision.
Meanwhile, the deadline set by broadcasters for the event’s scheduling has already passed, and with the ongoing deadlock between the two nations, a resolution may now be reached through a vote by the ICC Board members.