The International Cricket Council (ICC) has scheduled an online board meeting for November 29 to determine the fate of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, set to take place in Pakistan during February-March next year.
An ICC spokesperson confirmed that all board members have received the meeting agenda, which focuses on addressing challenges arising from India’s refusal to participate in the tournament if held in Pakistan.
According to sources, the board will deliberate various options, including a hybrid model, relocating the tournament, or postponing it entirely. While the hybrid model — allowing matches to be split across multiple countries — appears to be the ICC’s preferred solution, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has strongly opposed this approach.
The ICC board, composed of 12 full members, three associate members, and one independent director, will finalize a decision based on feedback and recommendations presented during the meeting.
Revenue Challenges and Legal Threats: India’s refusal to tour Pakistan has not only raised diplomatic and logistical concerns but also financial hurdles. Broadcasters and commercial partners have expressed resistance to a schedule excluding a Pakistan-India clash, which historically draws the largest global audience and generates significant revenue.
The 2023 World Cup match between the two arch-rivals broke viewership records, drawing 173 million viewers on Indian television and 225 million digital viewers. Such games are a financial lifeline for the ICC, which secured $3.2 billion in broadcast rights for the 2024-2027 cycle and expects $1 billion more in other revenues.
The PCB has reportedly demanded a copy of the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) written explanation justifying its stance and warned of potential legal action should the tournament fail to include the marquee Pakistan-India fixture.
Precedents and Leadership Transition: India has not played in Pakistan since 2008, and tensions between the two cricket boards have often impacted international tournaments. In 2023, the Asia Cup faced similar issues, with the event eventually split between Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
This decision comes at a critical time, as BCCI Secretary Jay Shah is set to take over as ICC Chairman on December 1. The ICC is under pressure to resolve the Champions Trophy uncertainty before this leadership transition.
Path Forward: Despite the obstacles, ICC stakeholders remain hopeful for a mutually agreeable resolution. A flexible approach from all parties could pave the way for the announcement of a schedule in the coming days.
With the Champions Trophy representing a vital revenue stream for global cricket, the ICC’s decision will carry significant implications for the sport’s future.
