Champions Trophy 2025, ICC Meeting Highlights: Meeting reportedly postponed to 7 December, uncertainty continues

This is a solid point! It’s a difficult situation but ICC has not done anything on its part to allay the fears of the fans.

“I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to the ICC Board members, the ICC team, and everyone who contributed to making my first day at the ICC Headquarters as Chair a truly memorable experience. This visit provided an invaluable opportunity to connect with my colleagues on the ICC Board, where we discussed the initial roadmap and strategies to shape the future of this incredible sport,” Shah was quoted in the ICC media release.

“I was equally delighted to meet with the dedicated ICC team working tirelessly behind the scenes to propel cricket forward. Their passion and shared belief in the sport’s immense potential are truly inspiring, as is their enthusiasm for the exciting opportunities ahead.

“Today has been both productive and inspiring. While I am encouraged by what I have seen, I recognise that this is just the beginning. The hard work to elevate cricket to unprecedented heights starts now, and I am confident that together, we will deliver on this vision.”

Jay Shah had a meeting with ICC Board members today at Dubai headquarters but no decision was taken on the Champions Trophy 2025.

The renovation work of the stadiums in the meantime is underway at a good pace in Pakistan. A Pakistani journalist has shared that Karachi’s National Stadium work is now in the final phase.

Image: Faizan Lakhani

So PCB had demanded multiple things to accept a hybrid model for the Champions Trophy, as per a report. Those demands are:

1. Pakistan will play their matches at neutral venue during ICC events in India
2. Compensation for not hosting India matches in Pakistan during Champions Trophy
3. Tri-series including India, Pakistan, and one more team in UAE
4. Not to have India and Pakistan in the  same group of Champions Trophy

It has been reported that only the second demand will be accepted and India and Pakistan won’t be put in different groups as matches between the two nations bring in the most amount of revenue.

Just a few days back the Champions Trophy which is on tour was in the heart of the Hindu Kush!

As per news agency PTI, the PCB was given an ultimatum on Friday to accept the hybrid model or lose the hosting rights entirely.

“Look, no broadcaster will give a penny to an ICC event which does not have India and even Pakistan knows that. The ICC meeting on Saturday will only happen if Mr Mohsin Naqvi agrees with the ‘Hybrid Model’,” an ICC Board source said. “If not, then ICC Board might have to shift the tournament entirely to a different country (could be UAE too) but it will be held without Pakistan.”