A deadlock over the hosting of the ICC Champions Trophy is expected to be resolved before a vote, with an ICC meeting anticipated later today. Sources indicate that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has presented a new formula to the ICC. Under this proposal, Pakistan would play its matches at neutral venues during ICC events held in India. Pakistan seeks to implement this formula for the next three years of ICC events.

According to sources, matches involving India would be held in Dubai. Pakistan aims for a reciprocal arrangement with India. The new formula, sources say, will not be referred to as a “hybrid model,” but will have a different designation. The ICC is reportedly prepared to present a mutually agreeable formula to both the PCB and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi recently stated that negotiations were ongoing and that the PCB would strive for the best possible outcome for Pakistan. He emphasized that any future arrangement would be based on reciprocity and serve as a precedent for future ICC events, extending beyond just the Champions Trophy.

Pakistan is scheduled to host the 2025 Champions Trophy, marking its first major ICC event since the 1996 World Cup and the 2008 Asia Cup. Matches are slated for Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi from February 19th to March 19th, 2025.

However, the BCCI has refused to tour Pakistan due to its government’s restrictions, proposing that India’s matches be moved to a neutral venue. The PCB, however, is unwilling to play at a neutral venue and insists on hosting the tournament, even without India’s participation.

India hasn’t played a match in Pakistan since the 2008 Asia Cup, and no bilateral series has been held between the two nations since Pakistan’s tour of India in 2012-2013. A similar situation occurred last year with the Asia Cup, hosted by Pakistan, where a “hybrid model” was used, relocating India’s matches to Sri Lanka.