Karachi: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Saturday dismissed rumors about a virtual meeting scheduled for November 26 with officials from the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to address the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the Champions Trophy 2025.
The event’s schedule has faced delays as the BCCI expressed reservations about sending the Indian team to Pakistan for the tournament.
PCB Unaware of Any Scheduled Discussions
A PCB representative clarified that they had not been informed by the ICC about any meeting involving the PCB, BCCI, and ICC to resolve the matter. “We have not received any communication from the ICC regarding such a meeting,” said a PCB source.
The PCB also revealed that it had sent an email to the ICC seeking clarification about India’s reluctance to participate in the tournament in Pakistan. However, there has been no response from the global governing body so far.
ICC Considers Internal Meeting to Address Issues
An ICC official disclosed that an internal virtual meeting of its Executive Board members might take place on November 26 to finalize the Champions Trophy schedule. This meeting aims to address concerns raised by the tournament broadcaster, which has been pressing for clarity on the event’s logistics.
“There could be a vote to determine whether the tournament will proceed in Pakistan, be relocated entirely, or follow the Hybrid Model suggested by the BCCI, where India’s matches would be played in the UAE,” the official stated.
PCB Holds Firm on Hosting Rights
The PCB has taken a resolute stance on hosting the tournament in Pakistan, maintaining its readiness to welcome all participating teams. Sources close to the board indicated that the PCB would not agree to India’s proposal for a Hybrid Model if it requires Pakistan to play its group match against India in Dubai.
One suggestion floated by the ICC Executive Board involved placing India and Pakistan in separate pools to avoid direct clashes in Pakistan. However, this idea has met resistance from the tournament broadcaster due to concerns about potential revenue loss.
Conclusion
The Champions Trophy standoff remains unresolved, with the PCB determined to host the event in Pakistan as planned. The ICC’s Executive Board meeting, if it occurs, may provide a clearer direction for the tournament’s future. Until then, the uncertainty surrounding one of cricket’s marquee events persists.
