 "BCCI Secretary Jay Shah's meeting with ICC can lead to a resolution to Champions Trophy impasse. Image: PTI")
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 impasse could soon see a breakthrough as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) general secretary Jay Shah is expected to meet the International Cricket Council (ICC) in Dubai on Thursday (21 November). India’s Jay Shah, who is set to take over as ICC Chairman from 1 December, is one of the most important persons in the whole 2025 Champions Trophy saga, and any decisive step from his end could bring an end to the current state of uncertainty over the tournament being hosted in Pakistan.
Jay Shah could speak to PCB chairman
Pakistan are the original host for the 2025 Champions Trophy but BCCI’s refusal to send the Indian cricket team has put the tournament in limbo. The Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) tough stand against accepting a Hybrid Model has brought things to a dead end. However, Jay Shah’s impending meeting with ICC officials has raised hopes. As per Pakistan news channel ARY News, Jay Shah will be in Dubai on Thursday (21 November) where he is scheduled to meet ICC officials over the Champions Trophy 2025.
Shah could also speak to PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi over the phone after his meeting at ICC headquarters, the report added.
Legal threat over Champions Trophy schedule
Meanwhile, another Pakistan news portal, Geo News, has stated that the Champions Trophy schedule which was expected to come out by this weekend is now unlikely as PCB continues to play hardball on the batter.
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The broadcasters are not ready to accept a scenario where an India vs Pakistan match is not held and hence the announcement of the schedule will not be done till the matter is resolved Also, the broadcasters have threatened legal action if the Champions Trophy 2025 does not include an India vs Pakistan match.
To avoid such a backlash, the ICC and “top cricket administrators” are currently in talks with the PCB to end the impasse and create a situation where the Champions Trophy goes ahead with the Hybrid model, ensuring Team India’s participation. This will allow Pakistan to make the most of the revenue as hosts and broadcasters can also make their own dollars.