Significant progress has been made in backdoor negotiations regarding the Men’s Champions Trophy, as the International Cricket Council has provided the cricket boards of Pakistan and India with a “formula for an acceptable solution.”
Pakistan, the reigning champions after winning the last edition in England in 2017, is set to host the event from February 19 to March 9.
But India’s reluctance to visit the neighbouring country has marred the tournament.
The longstanding political tensions between the two nations have prevented India from visiting Pakistan since 2008, with matches occurring only at multi-team events. Notably, during last year’s Asia Cup, India played all their games in Sri Lanka under a “hybrid model.”
Earlier this month, the ICC informed the PCB that the Board of Control for Cricket in India had officially communicated that India would not participate in the eight-nation tournament.
Sources told Aaj News that a breakthrough in the Pakistan-India deadlock over the mega event is likely soon, with the tournament’s schedule to be announced once government approval is obtained.
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Cricket Board and the Board of Control for Cricket in India have requested additional time to reach a decision.
There would be no meeting regarding the event on Saturday (today), as both boards would consult with their respective governments.
The ICC board meeting is expected to take place on Sunday or Monday. It is reported that Pakistan will not back down on the issue and if the matter remains unresolved, a vote would be conducted.
It was expected that the decision regarding the hosting of the event would be made at today’s ICC board meeting, however, no result could be achieved as deadlock remained. The PCB has “firmly rejected” the hybrid model and remained steadfast in its position on hosting.
Previously, the PCB communicated a message to the ICC that discussions could only progress if a viable formula was presented. Pakistan has made it “clear to both the Indian Board and the ICC that it will not agree to hold the tournament at a neutral venue without substantial reasons.”
Furthermore, Pakistan “will never play in India if the ICC insists on a neutral venue.”
The ICC board meeting, originally scheduled to address important issues regarding the Champions Trophy 2025, has been postponed again, as confirmed by former Pakistani cricketer Rashid Latif.
In a social media post, Latif said that the meeting is likely to take place on Sunday or Monday.
He noted that both the PCB and the BCCI have been directed to consult with their respective foreign ministries regarding the tournament’s future.
The postponement follows a deadlock between the two boards during the ICC’s recent discussions, particularly concerning hosting rights and the proposed hybrid model for the event.
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The ICC has reportedly given the “PCB and BCCI 24 to 48 hours” to present a viable solution. Pakistan remains steadfast in its desire to host the tournament and is committed to a hybrid model while the PCB has stated that progress can only be made with a workable proposal.
The ICC had postponed the board meeting to November 30, but discussions did not yield a conclusion. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi reiterated Pakistan’s position against the hybrid model, emphasising the country’s commitment to hosting all matches on home soil.
Meanwhile, Indian representatives have pointed out that the Indian government has not approved travel for the national cricket team to Pakistan.
