The cricketing world remains in suspense as the uncertainty surrounding the ICC ICC Champions Trophy 2025 intensifies, thanks to the deadlock between India and India. With the International Cricket Council (ICC) yet to reach a resolution, it is expected that the next board meeting will address the matter.
A Cricbuzz report claimed that the International Cricket Council (ICC) is likely to hold a virtual meeting on December 5 where the discussions could take place regarding CT 2025. However, the timing of the ICC Board meeting and agenda remain unclear, leaving stakeholders guessing about the fate of the multi-nation ODI tournament.
ICC Chairman Jay Shah calls virtual meeting amid ICC Champions Trophy 2025 uncertainty
This upcoming ICC Board meeting is expected to be a significant milestone, as it will mark the first official meeting under Jay Shah’s chairmanship. Notably, the former BCCI secretary formally assumed the role of ICC Chairman on December 1 and became the youngest-ever board chief.
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However, the details of the meeting remain under wraps, with the Dubai office closed since his appointment. It is being said that Jay Shah is expected to take charge as the ICC chairman in the next couple of days and called a virtual board meeting on December 5, which will possibly be an introductory session to plan the future of international cricket.
Meanwhile, all the participating nations are eager for updates on the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, but the Cricbuzz report said that there is no specific agenda for this meeting, and even there is no clarity on whether there will be a discussion and decision on the tournament.
The report also hinted that the meeting may not directly address the Champions Trophy 2025, leaving the tournament’s fate in limbo for now.
PCB demands “Fusion Formula” to accept hybrid model for CT 2025
On the other hand, Pakistan may be open to adopting the hybrid model for the Champion Trophy, but with a condition. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reportedly introduced a new approach, dubbed the “Partnership Formula” or “Fusion Formula.” Under this proposal, Pakistan seeks a mutual arrangement from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
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According to the PCB’s condition, India will have to adopt a similar hybrid hosting model for tournaments over the next three years, which means Pakistan will play its matches at neutral venues for events hosted by India, including the Women’s ODI World Cup in 2025, the Men’s T20 World Cup in 2026 (co-hosted with Sri Lanka), and the Men’s Asia Cup in 2025.
Will BCCI agree to PCB’s proposal?
Whether the BCCI will agree to PCB’s proposal remains uncertain. However, any decision is expected to involve consultations with the Government of India.
It is being said that the majority of ICC board members showed understanding toward Pakistan’s position over the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 issue. But the PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi was reportedly urged to accept the ‘Hybrid’ model as the only viable resolution to the ongoing deadlock.