ICC Champions Trophy 2025: New Deadlock emerges between India and Pakistan after Fusion Formula

After weeks of discussions, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has agreed to the hybrid model for hosting the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 but with certain conditions.

However, the International Cricket Council (ICC) is yet to make an official announcement as the broadcaster couldn't reach a middle ground.

The BCCI had informed the ICC weeks ago that the Indian team would not travel to Pakistan for the marquee tournament as it did not get clearance from the Indian government.

This prompted discussions about adopting a hybrid hosting model, similar to the one used during last year's Asia Cup.

The PCB has officially rejected the hybrid model and refused to share hosting rights with another country. It has urged the ICC to present a viable solution before Friday's meeting. The PCB stated that Pakistan will not accept a situation where its team plays in India while India refuses to play in Pakistan.

PCB Proposes New 'Partnership or Fusion Formula' for ICC Champions Trophy 2025

The ICC Board Directors hosted a meeting in Dubai on Friday that lasted less than 15 minutes. PCB Chairman Najam Sethi and other senior officials are in the UAE. They are engaging in private discussions with Indian board representatives to resolve the ongoing dispute regarding the tournament.

The PCB proposed a "partnership or fusion formula" to resolve the conflict. India and Pakistan will play their ICC event games against each other in Dubai for the next three years. They will not play in each other's countries. If accepted, this arrangement could start with the Champions Trophy 2025.

India Raises Objections to the New 'Partnership or Fusion Formula'

A new deadlock has emerged over the mega event, with India objecting to the proposed formula. The BCCI has refused to travel to Pakistan even if the team qualifies for the final. In response, the PCB stated that they would not travel to India for any final.

"New Deadlock Final: Where Will It Be? India has raised objections to the new formula. If they qualify, they have refused to go to Pakistan for the decisive Champions Trophy clash. The Pakistan Cricket Board has responded: “Don’t expect us to travel to India for any final either," Saleem Khaliq wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter).

New Deadlock
Final: Where Will It Be?
India has raised objections to the new formula.
If they qualify, they have refused to go to Pakistan for the decisive Champions Trophy clash. The Pakistan Cricket Board has responded: “Don’t expect us to travel to India for any final either.”

— Saleem Khaliq (@saleemkhaliq) December 2, 2024

No Response Given to the Proposal for Champions Trophy 2025

The Pakistan Cricket Board has stated that all finals for the next three years should be played at a neutral venue. Journalist Saleem Khaliq stated that a broadcasters' conference will take place in Dubai on Thursday, where the ICC is expected to share the Champions Trophy schedule.

"All Finals for the Next Three Years Should Also Be Held in a third country: Pakistan’s Clear Stance No response has been given to the proposal so far, A broadcasters’ conference will be held on Thursday in Dubai, where the ICC will also have to share the Champions Trophy schedule," Saleem Khaliq wrote.

All Finals for the Next Three Years Should Also Be Held in third country: Pakistan’s Clear Stance
No response has been given to the proposal so far, A broadcasters’ conference will be held on Thursday in Dubai, where the ICC will also have to share the Champions Trophy schedule

— Saleem Khaliq (@saleemkhaliq) December 2, 2024

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