The upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled to take place in Pakistan, is surrounded by doubt as the ICC Board meets on November 29 for a crucial virtual session to determine its outcome.
With the tournament approaching in a few months, the deadlock between India and Pakistan persists as India declined to visit Pakistan. The meeting is essential to deciding if a resolution can be reached to resolve the stalemate regarding the tournament’s schedule and location.
The ICC Board is scheduled to hold a virtual meeting starting at 3:30 pm IST with a decision anticipated by 7 pm IST. It is not yet clear if the ICC will be able to determine the venue and schedule following the meeting on Friday. The gathering will consist of 12 main ICC members, along with three associate members, and the ICC Chair, making a total of 16 members eligible to vote.
The increasing tension over the Champions Trophy peaked recently as Sri Lanka’s A team had to end their tour of Pakistan prematurely because of violent political unrest in Islamabad.
These demonstrations, initiated by ex-Prime Minister Imran Khan’s political party, highlighted security issues in Pakistan, suggesting that the country’s capability to hold international cricket events could be jeopardized. The PCB had to delay two 50-over matches planned for Sri Lanka A and Pakistan Shaheens, signaling growing pressure on Pakistan’s cricket management.
The Hybrid Model seems to be the most probable result. With the hybrid model, games would take place in both Pakistan and a third-party location, like the UAE. India’s matches will be held in the UAE due to their security worries, with the rest of the games set to be played in Pakistan.
