The Champions Trophy is scheduled for next year, but the International Cricket Council (ICC) has yet to announce tournament's schedule. With India refusing to travel to Pakistan and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) opposing the proposed hybrid model, ICC has stepped in to address the deadlock.
According to news agency PTI, a virtual meeting of ICC board members is set for November 29, where the Champions Trophy schedule will be a key topic of discussion.
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An ICC spokesperson confirmed that representatives from all member boards would participate in the video conference to deliberate on the event's organization. Notably, this meeting comes just days before BCCI Secretary Jay Shah assumes ICC presidency on December 1. In the meeting, ICC is expected to call for a vote among its 12 Full Member nations in an upcoming meeting to finalize venue for Champions Trophy 2025.
"The ICC board will meet on November 29 to discuss the Champions Trophy schedule," an ICC spokesperson told PTI on Tuesday.
Pakistan is set to host Champions Trophy, but uncertainty looms as BCCI has officially informed ICC of its decision not to send the Indian team to Pakistan. In response to this, PCB requested written clarification from ICC regarding India's refusal to travel.
ICC has proposed a hybrid model to resolve the deadlock, which could see India playing its matches at a neutral venue, potentially in UAE. However, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has already dismissed the idea. Despite this, reports suggest that discussions are ongoing, and UAE remains a possible alternative host if a resolution is reached.
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Speculation is rife that if PCB refuses to accept the hybrid model—allowing India to play all their matches in UAE and final in Dubai (if they qualify)—ICC might consider stripping Pakistan of its hosting rights and relocating the tournament to another country.