Emergency meeting called on Nov 26 to discuss future of ICC Champions Trophy

The future of the ICC Champions Trophy, set to be hosted by Pakistan, is now under scrutiny, with an emergency meeting scheduled for November 26 to address the tournament’s organization and format, reported Express News on Friday.

According to reports from Indian media, the International Cricket Council (ICC) meeting will be held virtually and is expected to discuss the possibility of hosting the Champions Trophy under a hybrid model.

This consideration comes in response to India’s refusal to send its team to Pakistan for the tournament, a decision that has sparked significant debate within the cricketing world.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has already rejected the hybrid model, maintaining that if the Indian team refuses to play on Pakistani soil, Pakistan will likewise refuse to play at a neutral location with India.

The PCB argues that the Champions Trophy should be held in Pakistan as scheduled, without the need for alternative arrangements due to India’s stance.

Indian media reports also suggest that the ICC is considering holding the semifinals and finals at a neutral venue to accommodate both teams.

This suggestion has reportedly added to the ICC’s mounting pressure, especially as the delay in the release of the Champions Trophy schedule has raised questions and expectations from both fans and participating teams.

The ICC’s final decision could set a significant precedent, particularly in how international tournaments manage political tensions between member nations. The cricket world awaits further updates following the November 26 meeting.