ICC Board Meeting Ends Without Decision on Champions Trophy 2025

Dubai, UAE – The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Friday adjourned its board meeting without reaching a resolution regarding the Champions Trophy 2025, amid escalating tensions surrounding the tournament's venue. Sources cited by ARY News revealed that the meeting was convened following the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) refusal to send its team to Pakistan for the event, slated for February-March next year.

The board meeting, which included representatives from the 12 Full Member nations, three Associate members, an independent director, and ICC leadership, lasted roughly 15 minutes. Pakistan reaffirmed its opposition to the BCCI's proposed hybrid model, in which India’s matches would be hosted in Dubai rather than Pakistan.

According to sources, the ICC is now exploring alternative solutions to the impasse, with a follow-up meeting expected within the next 48 hours.

PCB and BCCI in Standoff Over Hosting Rights

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has taken a firm stance, insisting that the tournament be held entirely on home soil. In a letter submitted to the ICC ahead of the meeting, the PCB categorically rejected the hybrid model, deeming it unsuitable for an event of this magnitude.

Meanwhile, the BCCI has maintained its reluctance to send its team to Pakistan, citing security concerns, and proposed Dubai as a neutral venue for their matches.

This dispute echoes earlier tensions seen during the 2023 Asia Cup, where a similar hybrid model was implemented, and it adds another layer of complexity to the already strained cricketing relations between the two nations.

ICC’s Challenge

The ICC now faces a critical challenge in balancing the interests of all stakeholders while ensuring the integrity of one of its premier tournaments. A decision is expected soon, with sources indicating that the global cricket body is keen to resolve the matter expeditiously to avoid disrupting the tournament schedule.

The Champions Trophy 2025 marks Pakistan's return as hosts for an ICC tournament after nearly three decades, making the venue dispute a matter of national pride for the PCB.

What Lies Ahead

As discussions continue, the cricketing world awaits a decision that could set a precedent for handling cross-border tensions in future ICC events. Whether the ICC can broker a compromise or will be forced to make a hard call remains to be seen.