- ICC Board meeting to resolve the issues of hosting the tournament.
- Pakistan insists on fair solution, rejects hybrid venue proposals
- India’s reluctance complicates tournament scheduling decisions.
Sources said that the International Cricket Council (ICC) is scheduled to take a crucial decision on Friday (today) regarding the fate of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy and whether Pakistan will retain its hosting rights. Geo News.
The outcome of this online board meeting will not only determine the venue of the tournament but also whether it will go ahead as scheduled.
The decision comes amid ongoing differences between Pakistan and India. Pakistan has strongly opposed the hybrid model where matches against India are played at neutral venues.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has conveyed its firm stance to the ICC, with chairman Mohsin Naqvi saying: “We will tolerate setbacks, but not at the cost of our dignity.”
The PCB has reportedly finalized most of the arrangements for hosting the event and has sought an acceptable solution ahead of the ICC meeting.
However, India’s refusal to play in Pakistan is creating hurdles, with broadcasters concerned about potential financial losses.
Financial implications
According to sources, apart from additional revenue from ticket sales and hospitality, Pakistan will earn $6 million from the hosting rights.
However, the PCB will have to allocate $1.2-1.3 million for tournament insurance.
Comparatively, India enjoys a significant financial advantage, receiving 38% of the ICC’s annual revenue, which is $90-95 million.
The scheduling of the Champions Trophy remains unresolved as India’s reluctance to travel to Pakistan has delayed the finalization of the tournament and disrupted broadcasters’ plans.
Today’s virtual ICC board meeting, an ICC spokesperson confirmed, aims to address these key concerns and clarify the situation.