Sources indicate that a decision regarding the Champions Trophy is expected this week, with top officials from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) currently engaged in negotiations with the ICC in Dubai.
After initial reluctance, India has reportedly agreed to many of Pakistan’s terms, particularly concerning compensation for losses incurred due to the absence of the Indian team.
The PCB proposed a partnership agreement where India would play the Champions Trophy matches at a neutral venue in Dubai, while Pakistan would also participate in ICC events in India at a neutral site.
If an agreement on this partnership formula cannot be reached, a vote will be conducted.
However, reports from India suggest that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has rejected the PCB’s partnership proposal.
The final decision regarding the Champions Trophy will be made during the upcoming ICC board meeting.
This Champions Trophy marks a significant moment for Pakistan, as it will host a major ICC event for the first time since the 1996 World Cup and the 2008 Asia Cup.
The tournament is scheduled to take place from February 19 to March 19, 2025, in three major cities: Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi.
Read more
Despite this opportunity, the BCCI has previously suggested moving their matches to a neutral venue, citing the Indian government’s refusal to permit a tour to Pakistan.
The PCB remains steadfast in its position, insisting on not playing at a neutral venue and aiming to conduct the tournament without India.
Since the 2008 Asia Cup, India has not played any matches in Pakistan, and no bilateral series have taken place since Pakistan’s tour of India in 2012-13.
Last year, Pakistan was awarded hosting rights for the Asia Cup, but India declined to travel, resulting in a hybrid model where all of India’s matches were held in Sri Lanka.
In the final, India comfortably defeated Sri Lanka to claim the title.
As the defending champion, Pakistan will participate in the Champions Trophy, having last won the tournament in 2017 under the captaincy of Sarfaraz Ahmed.
