ICC 'defers' crucial CT meeting

Int'l cricket governing body is still waiting for BCCI's response

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has deferred its crucial meeting regarding the Champions Trophy 2025, which was set to take place today (Saturday), sources revealed.

The sources revealed that the meeting was postponed due to the lack of response by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to the demands put forward by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) over the long-standing dispute between the two sides regarding the venue of much-awaited Champions Trophy 2025.

Pakistan and India reportedly made a "breakthrough" on the matter of event's venue a day earlier, agreeing to play their matches at neutral venues for ICC tournaments hosted by either one of them.

Sources said that under the new arrangement, India's matches will take place in Dubai, while Pakistan's games in the India-hosted T20 World Cup will also be held at neutral venues.

The agreement will reportedly apply to all ICC events through 2027.

During this time, India is set to host the Women's ODI World Cup in October 2024 and the Men's T20 World Cup in 2026 alongside Sri Lanka and Pakistan had insisted on a reciprocal hybrid arrangement for these events in India.

Following the acceptance of Pakistan's key condition yesterday, as reported by sources, it was anticipated that the event's schedule would be announced within the next 48 hours, as the ICC was set to hold a meeting today again.

The Champions Trophy is scheduled to commence in February, with Pakistan as the host, though India has refused to send its team to Pakistan, citing traditional hesitance.

Earlier in the day, sources said that Pakistan and India were also engaged in ongoing discussions regarding the ICC also being part of the talks aimed at finding a solution and finalising the tournament's schedule - which was being redrawn due to the hybrid model.

The issues discussed by the stakeholders include those pertaining to logistics.

The ICC meeting, noted the sources, would be held once the issues are finalised at the executive level.

As per sources, Pakistan stands to earn $6 million from hosting rights, excluding additional revenue from ticket sales and hospitality.

However, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) must allocate $1.2–1.3 million for tournament insurance.

Comparatively, India enjoys a significant financial advantage, receiving 38% of ICC's annual revenue share, amounting to $90–95 million.

Schedule announcement

The announcement of the ICC Champions Trophy schedule continues to face hurdles, as logistical matters remain unresolved.

Sources suggest that pending issues need to be finalized, and the matter will only be discussed in the ICC board meeting if necessary. Additionally, broadcasters' final response is awaited, adding to the delays.

Following India's refusal to travel to Pakistan, the Indian cricket board has proposed not only hosting their group-stage matches at neutral venues but also the semifinals and final. Dubai has been suggested as a potential venue for the much-anticipated Pakistan-India clash.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), however, has maintained its stance that if India does not play in Pakistan, all their matches should be held at neutral venues. Furthermore, the PCB has warned that the Pakistan team will also not travel to India for ICC events under similar circumstances.

The delay is compounded by broadcasters' specific demands, which need to be considered before finalizing arrangements. Meanwhile, Indian media reports claim that the Indian cricket board has agreed to Pakistan's demand for neutral venues for India's matches. Discussions between the PCB, ICC, and the Indian cricket board are reportedly progressing positively, though no formal agreement has been signed yet.

Pakistan is set to host the ICC Champions Trophy from February 19 to March 9, but the continued delays in announcing the official schedule have raised concerns among stakeholders.