Amid ongoing uncertainty surrounding the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has informed the International Cricket Council (ICC) that it will only accept a solution that aligns with its stance on the tournament’s hosting. According to sources, no progress will be made on this matter until the ICC proposes a reasonable and viable formula that meets Pakistan’s position.
This development follows the cancellation of a crucial ICC board meeting that was initially scheduled for Saturday. Reports suggest that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has requested more time to respond after Pakistan’s firm position on the issue.
The sources indicated that Pakistan’s stance on hosting remains unchanged. Following recent consultations with the ICC and other cricket boards, the PCB has been in touch with various stakeholders.
On Friday, an ICC board meeting was held for just 15 minutes, during which it was agreed that Pakistan and India, working with the ICC, would explore a mutually acceptable solution regarding the tournament’s hosting. This meeting was convened after India’s refusal to play in Pakistan, with Pakistan insisting that the hybrid model—where matches are split across two venues—was not an acceptable option. Pakistan has also warned that it would boycott future events in India if the situation does not improve.
The process is expected to conclude within 24 to 48 hours, with both countries required to consult their respective governments before finalizing any agreements.
The 2025 Champions Trophy is set to be hosted in Pakistan, but India’s reluctance to travel to the country has cast doubt on the tournament’s future. An ICC spokesperson confirmed that the board is committed to resolving the issue and that further meetings will take place in the coming days.
Meanwhile, BCCI vice-president Rajiv Shukla confirmed that discussions are ongoing with the PCB and that the ICC is working towards finding a resolution. He stated that the BCCI would follow the guidance of the Indian government on the matter.
Earlier, India’s foreign office spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, cited security concerns as the reason for BCCI’s refusal to travel to Pakistan. This contradicts previous indirect claims that the decision was due to government restrictions.
As of Saturday morning, the BCCI had yet to issue any public statement regarding the issue.
