ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Schedule dangling; Broadcaster place IND vs PAK match demand before ICC

The announcement of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 schedule, which is set to be played in Pakistan, has been delayed due to ongoing disputes. The International Cricket Council (ICC) has reportedly failed to convince the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to accept the ‘hybrid’ model for the upcoming event.

Earlier reports indicated that the Champions Trophy schedule would be released by the end of the week. However, the Pakistan Cricket Board has remained firm in rejecting the ‘hybrid’ model. Meanwhile, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has refused to send its team across the border.

ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Set to Take Place in February-March

The highly anticipated Champions Trophy is scheduled to be hosted by Pakistan in February-March next year. The ICC has formally requested a written explanation from the BCCI regarding its decision not to play in the tournament, following a request from the PCB for a copy of India's official response.

During a recent conference, PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi requested the Indian team travel to Pakistan for the marquee tournament. He assured that there would be no issues for the Indian cricket team.Naqvi also questioned the credibility of the ICC, adding that every other team is ready to travel to Pakistan.

Champions Trophy Schedule Announcement Delayed Due to This Reason

According to the Geo TV report, the delay in finalizing the schedule for the tournament is due to a demand from broadcasters and commercial partners for a high-profile Pakistan-India match. The report added that the schedule of the mega event could be announced soon if stakeholders reach a mutual agreement.

"The announcement of the schedule will be possible in a couple of days if the stakeholders show flexibility," the sources said.

"Stakeholders are in favour of holding the event with mutual consensus," they added.

ICC Working to Resolve the Issue Swiftly to Avoid Further Delays

The ICC's broadcast rights for the 2024-2027 cycle were secured for $3.2 billion. A majority of this revenue relies on marquee events like Pakistan-India matches. India vs Pakistan match in the 2023 ODI World Cup captivated a combined 398 million viewers across TV and digital platforms.

The ICC is working to resolve the ongoing disputes surrounding the Champions Trophy schedule swiftly to avoid further delays. They want to announce the schedule before BCCI Secretary Jay Shah assumes the role of ICC Chairman on December 1.

"Sources suggest that the ICC is working to resolve the issue swiftly to avoid further delays, especially with Jay Shah, the Secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), set to take over as ICC Chairman on December 1," reported Cricket Pakistan.

As per the proposed schedule, India is placed in Group A with Bangladesh and New Zealand, while England, South Africa, Australia, and Afghanistan are included in Group B. The BCCI is awaiting approval from the Indian government before confirming its participation in matches held in Pakistan.

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