ISLAMABAD: The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Tuesday convened an important meeting of its board on November 29 to clear the uncertainty surrounding the Champions Trophy schedule.
After India’s refusal to travel to Pakistan, the designated host country of the tournament, the fate of the mega event is turning upside down. A top ICC official told ‘The News’ that the virtual meeting will only focus on finalizing the schedule for the 2025 Champions Trophy.
The meeting of the ICC Board on November 29 will discuss one main agenda – the Champions Trophy schedule. This debate is important given the challenges facing India’s position.
The meeting was initially scheduled to be held on November 26, but it was postponed on the request of some board members. This rescheduling highlights the complexities and high stakes surrounding this issue.
The refusal of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to cross the border has put the ICC in trouble. A few days after the meeting, Jay Shah is set to take over as the head of the ICC, the outcome of which could determine his tenure. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has stood its ground, rejecting the hybrid model for hosting and threatening to pull out of the tournament if the event is moved to another country.
Despite initial approval of Pakistan’s hosting rights by all ICC member countries, including India, the situation turned sour after the Indian government refused to allow the team to travel to Pakistan. The decision was announced a few weeks after the ICC Board meeting in Dubai on October 20, where a provisional schedule was tabled without objection.
The 16-member ICC Board, comprising 12 representatives of member states, three independent (associate) members, and the ICC Chief Executive, will play a decisive role in breaking the deadlock. Speculation is rife as to whether India will propose a hybrid model, and whether the PCB will allow voting on such a proposal or abstain.
The PCB has also maintained that the BCCI should share the Indian government’s written denial before proceeding. ICC regulations state that any such refusal must be in writing.
The upcoming meeting could mark a pivotal moment for international cricket, as the deadlock over India’s participation has thrown uncertainty over a major sporting event. With both sides digging in, November 29 could shape the future of the Champions Trophy and set a precedent for cricket’s governance amid geopolitical tensions.