PCB silent on Champions Trophy 2025 standoff as another ICC meeting gets postponed

While uncertainty continues over Champions Trophy 2025, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Mohsin Naqvi on Saturday refused to speak on the matter but confirmed that the International Cricket Council (ICC) meeting was postponed. ICC’s board of directors was scheduled to meet on Saturday to finalise the Champions Trophy 20225 schedule, however, it was called off as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) did not give assurance about accepting the 'partnership' or 'fusion' model that PCB has proposed, claimed reports.

As BCCI has refused to send Team India to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy 2025, a hybrid model has emerged as the only viable option that would allow the Men in Blue to play their matches in a neutral venue. But PCB also wants a hybrid model for the Pakistan team when India hosts any ICC events, at least till 2027. There were reports that BCCI has agreed to such an arrangement but a final approval from their end on Saturday has added to the tension surrounding the Champions Trophy 2025.

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Naqvi, who spoke to Pakistani media in Lahore on Saturday, refused to give any details on where things stand but said that they are hoping to achieve what is best for Pakistan and international cricket.

“We had a meeting [with the ICC] today, it’s been postponed. Once the details have been finalised we’ll update you,” he was quoted as saying by the Dawn. “Talks are still ongoing but I do not want to say anything that is premature. We are aiming to achieve the best for Pakistani and international cricket.”

On former BCCI secretary Jay Shah becoming the new ICC chair, Naqvi said: “If the ICC progresses, cricket will progress. If there is a dent in the ICC it will be felt across the world.”

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Another report in Pakistan’s Geo News states that the PCB is waiting for a written assurance from the ICC over the ‘fusion’ formula’s acceptance before they agree to the hybrid model for the Champions Trophy 2025.

“The PCB wants assurance from the ICC, not the BCCI, that the hybrid model will be implemented without issues,” a source said. “Everything must be documented to avoid future complications.”

The ICC is already under pressure from the broadcaster to announce the schedule as the contract said that they had to release it with at least 90 days to go for the Champions trophy but that deadline has passed. The tournament is expected to start on 19 February next year.