The International Cricket Council (ICC) is reportedly working on a “partnership formula” to resolve the ongoing deadlock regarding the hosting of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy between Pakistan and India. Sources suggest that this new proposal aims to end the dispute by ensuring both teams will play their ICC matches scheduled to take place in each other’s countries in Dubai instead.
Under the proposed formula, India will play all of their matches scheduled in Pakistan in Dubai, and Pakistan will do the same for matches supposed to be played in India. This arrangement is expected to be in place for the next three years, starting from the Champions Trophy 2025, with the goal of resolving the issue of scheduling and venue for the tournament.
Sources indicated that this solution will prevent the two countries from playing any ICC tournament in each other’s territories during this period. The formula is expected to be included in the host agreement between the two boards, which would formalize the new arrangement.
The dispute over the hosting of the 2025 Champions Trophy has become a major issue between Pakistan and India. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has refused to send its team to Pakistan due to security concerns, despite Pakistan’s assurances of safety. An online ICC meeting held on November 29 to resolve the matter lasted only 15 minutes and ended without a clear resolution.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has firmly rejected a hybrid model proposed in the virtual meeting, which would have seen all of India’s matches played outside Pakistan. Following Pakistan’s strong stance, the BCCI reportedly asked for more time to consider the issue.
To avoid any further complications, the ICC has advised the BCCI to accept the new partnership formula, which would protect the BCCI from potential legal actions from Pakistan. According to sources, the ICC is working hard to resolve the matter without having to resort to a vote, which could take place if the three parties—PCB, ICC, and BCCI—fail to reach an agreement.
The sources also believe that an agreement over the new formula could be reached soon, potentially eliminating the need for a formal board meeting. If the three parties agree, the details of the formula will be shared with the other ICC members, though it will not be called a “hybrid model.”
Pakistan has already dismissed an offer of extra financial incentives, emphasizing that the issue should be resolved with respect and equality. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi expressed hope earlier that a long-term solution would be found, benefiting both countries and the sport of cricket. He reiterated that decisions should be made based on fairness, not one-sidedness.
