ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Pakistan given 72 hours Ultimatum by ICC or else...

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is gearing up for a very significant virtual meeting on November 29 to resolve the ongoing India-Pakistan drama surrounding next year’s ICC Champions Trophy 2025. India's refusal to travel to Pakistan for the prestigious tournament created a tense standoff that could have major consequences for the cricket world.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has remained firm in rejecting a hybrid model for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which is slated to be held from February 19 to March 9 in Pakistan. However, the International Cricket Council (ICC) is reportedly leaning towards this solution as its only viable option to solve the current situation.

ICC to propose the hybrid model for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025

According to Cricbuzz, the ICC is all set to propose the hybrid model for the Champions Trophy 2025 in the upcoming board meeting on November 29. The proposed model includes hosting 10 matches in Pakistan and the remaining five, including a semifinal and the final, in a neutral venue.

To calm the PCB, the ICC is reportedly ready to host one semifinal and the final in Pakistan itself, only if India fails to make it to the last four or last two stages of the eight-nation tournament. However, ICC’s plans might ease tensions, but it will bring serious operational and logistical challenges.

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However, the ICC can offer some concession to the PCB in such a scenario, as the preparations, including match venue readiness, hotel arrangements, and travel bookings for one semifinal and the final of the next Champions Trophy, would need to be finalized in advance.

The fate of India’s games in the tournament remains a major issue, with the UAE and South Africa emerging as potential neutral venues. The UAE’s established infrastructure in Dubai and Abu Dhabi offers convenience, while South Africa’s favorable weather during the Champions Trophy 2025 window makes it an appealing alternative to the ICC. It is being said that discussions with Cricket South Africa (CSA) and the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) are expected to be on the ICC’s agenda.

ICC’s tougher call to PCB’s tough stand on Champions Trophy 2025

The PCB is highly unlikely to accept the hybrid model for next year’s mega event despite the ICC’s efforts to find a middle ground. With most ICC board members reportedly backing the hybrid solution, a voting system will decide the fate of the tournament.

It is also being said that the ICC may also warn the PCB to relocate the entire tournament away from Pakistan if they refuse to accept the hybrid model, which could have a terrible financial and reputational impact on the board, having spent millions and emotions in preparations.

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Well, the PCB chief, Mohsin Naqvi, is likely to consult the Pakistan government before making a final call, for which he would ask about 24-48 hours, as it could allow the PCB to emphasize its minority position at the ICC board meeting while analyzing the financial and strategic consequences of losing the Champions Trophy 2025 altogether.

ICC to not stage Champions Trophy without India

The ICC has already made it clear to the PCB that the Champions Trophy can’t be held without India, as it will damage the global cricket ecosystem. Pakistan will also suffer huge financial losses if the tournament is taken away from the country. With millions of dollars at stake, along with Pakistan’s image, a mutual compromise may be the only solution.