ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Schedule, Host, Venue to be announced today; make or break for Pakistan Cricket!!

The International Cricket Council (ICC) will reconvene a board meeting on Friday, December 5, to resolve the dispute between India and Pakistan regarding the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 schedule, host, and venues. Jay Shah, the newly elected chairman of the ICC, is scheduled to have his first meeting with all the board members.

Pakistan is set to host the Champions Trophy, but the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has refused to travel to the neighboring country, citing security concerns. However, Pakistan rejected India's proposed hybrid model, sparking discussions about alternative arrangements for the event.

Jay Shah Set to Hold His First Meeting as New ICC Chairman on December 5

According to a report by ESPNCricinfo, the ICC has tentatively scheduled a meeting on December 5 to finalize the Champions Trophy 2025 schedule.

Former BCCI secretary Jay Shah is expected to chair the meeting, instead of deputy chairperson Imran Khwaja. The primary agenda of the ICC meeting will focus on resolving issues related to the tournament. However, there is no confirmation regarding representation from BCCI at the meeting.

Pakistan Proposes "Partnership or Fusion Formula" for ICC Champions Trophy 2025

The situation remains unchanged since the last meeting on November 29. That meeting, which lasted just 15 minutes, ended with the ICC giving Pakistan an ultimatum to accept the hybrid model or lose the hosting rights. The BCCI had refused to send the Indian team to Pakistan for the tournament.

Notably, the PCB initially rejected the hybrid model but later proposed a "Partnership or Fusion Formula." They want to use this hybrid model for all future ICC tournaments in India until 2031, including the 2026 T20 World Cup, with matches between India and Pakistan taking place at neutral venues.

“A one-sided arrangement is no longer acceptable. It cannot be the case that we continue to go to India, but they do not visit Pakistan. Whatever happens, must be on the basis of equality,” PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi had said before the ICC meeting last week.

ICC Set to Make Final Decision on Scheduling in Upcoming Meeting

The ICC board is set to make a final decision on the schedule during the meeting on December 5 and will review the new model proposed by the PCB. Both the BCCI and PCB will need to have their governments approve the decision. Voting among board members will determine the final outcome.

The possibility of playing the Champions Trophy 2025 without Team India seems unlikely due to the BCCI's financial power. As a result, Pakistan may have to accept a hybrid model where only India plays its matches at a neutral venue. However, this could allow Pakistan to secure a favorable financial deal.

The Champions Trophy 2025 is scheduled to be played in Pakistan from February 19 to March 9, with games taking place in Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Karachi. If a hybrid model is adopted, India will play their matches in Dubai, UAE.

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