Islamabad, Nov 27: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has scheduled a virtual board meeting on November 29 to address the ongoing dispute regarding the 2025 Champions Trophy, amidst tensions between India and Pakistan. The outcome of this meeting could determine whether the tournament, originally scheduled to take place in Pakistan, will be held there, adopted in a hybrid format, or moved to a neutral venue.
Key Issues at Stake
- India’s Refusal to Travel: India has communicated its refusal to send its team to Pakistan due to security concerns.
- PCB’s Stance: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is firm in its position that the tournament should be held entirely in Pakistan, rejecting any hybrid model.
- Tournament Timeline: The Champions Trophy is tentatively scheduled between February 19 and March, but the lack of a formal schedule has caused delays, as the ICC typically releases schedules 100 days in advance.
Upcoming Leadership Changes
This meeting will be the last board session chaired by Greg Barclay, ICC chairman, whose term ends on December 1. Jay Shah, BCCI secretary and a key figure in the Champions Trophy discussions, will succeed Barclay, and his leadership is expected to influence the decision significantly.
The decision made on November 29 could set an important precedent for future cricket relations between India and Pakistan.
