The issue of hosting the Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 has taken a new turn as sources revealed that the world cricket body has proposed a “partnership formula” aimed at breaking the deadlock.

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.

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.”

Last 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.

According to sources, the ICC has advised the Board of Control for Cricket in India to accept this new formula. The primary goal of this arrangement is to avoid legal action from Pakistan regarding the tournament’s hosting rights. The ICC is making a concerted effort to resolve the issue without resorting to a vote.

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This new formula, if implemented, will apply specifically to the Champions Trophy and will remain in effect for three years.

Under this proposal, “India will play all its international event matches in Dubai and Pakistan will also be required to play all its matches in Dubai for the next three years. Similar to India, Pakistan will not participate in any tournaments hosted in India during this period.”