The ICC meeting to decide the fate of the 2025 Champions Trophy was postponed to Saturday following suggestions and discussions from various quarters, officials said. With India sticking to its decision not to go to Pakistan for the tournament and the host country sticking to its stand that the entire tournament will be held in Pakistan, the ICC has decided to hold a meeting to come to a conclusion. Friday’s meeting, which was attended by all members, was postponed to Saturday, officials said.
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi is also likely to attend the meeting. “The ICC meeting on the Champions Trophy has been postponed to tomorrow after submissions and discussions from all sides. (PCB Chairman) Mohsin Naqvi is likely to attend the meeting in person. All member states “The ICC is trying to find a solution to the problem,” the official said.
According to Pakistan-based Geo News, the ICC instructed participants in the meeting to find a solution on the fate of the tournament to be held in Pakistan next year.
The meeting lasted around 15 minutes and was attended by PCB and BCCI officials, the report said, citing sources.
It further added that both the PCB and BCCI will find an option “acceptable to all” with the support of the ICC.
“Logical options for the Champions Trophy will be considered within the next 24 to 48 hours,” Geo News said, citing sources, adding that the board will consult with the respective governments before making a final opinion. He added that he would.
India has not toured Pakistan since 2008, when they participated in the Asian Cup, due to tense political relations between the two countries. The last time the arch-rivals played a bilateral series was in India in 2012-13 and consisted of a white-ball match. Since then, India and Pakistan have mainly played each other in ICC tournaments and Asian Cups.
The PCB chairman had previously dismissed the idea of holding the tournament in such a manner, as a hybrid model has always been in place. Recently, he promised that the board is trying to do what is best for Pakistan cricket.
“Our stance is very clear. We are committed to doing what is best for Pakistan cricket. I am in constant touch with the ICC president and my team is also in constant discussion with them. Our position remains clear: It is unacceptable for us to play cricket in India and for them not to play cricket here.We have made it clear to the ICC that whatever happens will happen on the basis of equality. I told you, and I’ll let you know what happens next.” ESPNcricinfo quoted Naqvi as saying.
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