Emergency ICC meeting held to discuss Champions Trophy, possibly hybrid model: Sources

According to information obtained by India Today, as uncertainty regarding the fate of the 2025 ICC Champions Cup increases, the International Cricket Council (ICC) will hold an emergency meeting on November 26. The meeting will bring together senior officials from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to address ongoing concerns regarding venues.

The controversy stems from the BCCI’s decision, under the guidance of the Indian government, to refuse to send the Indian cricket team to Pakistan, citing security concerns in the host country at a time when bilateral relations are tense. This stance fueled speculation about the future of the tournament and Pakistan’s viability as hosts.

The ICC will act as a mediator during the meeting and aim to find a solution that will satisfy all stakeholders. Key issues on the agenda include addressing BCCI’s security concerns, PCB’s insistence on preserving hosting rights and potential alternatives such as a hybrid model. This model, which proposes splitting matches between neutral venues and Pakistan, has been consistently opposed by the PCB, who argue it undermines their authority as hosts.

The Champions Trophy, a major 50-over tournament, is of great importance to international cricket and its successful implementation is crucial for the ICC. The talks on 26 November are expected to play a key role in determining whether the tournament will go ahead as planned or whether alternative arrangements will need to be made. Both boards are under pressure to prioritize sports while balancing geopolitical sensitivities.