ICC Champions Trophy 2025 fate to be decided this week

India's reluctance to send its team to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy has delayed the tournament's progress, including the release of its schedule. India has insisted on playing its matches in the UAE under a hybrid model instead of traveling to Pakistan.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), taking a firm stance, proposed a partnership or "fusion" formula. Under this arrangement, both nations would play their matches in the UAE for ICC events held in either country over the next three years. Initially, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) resisted the idea but eventually agreed to most conditions. However, disagreements over certain aspects have prolonged the deadlock.Sources reveal that despite the apparent silence over the past few days, behind-the-scenes negotiations are ongoing. Former PCB Chief Operating Officer Salman Naseer has been stationed in Dubai for several days, and the current COO, Sumair Syed, has also joined him. Discussions with ICC officials continued as recently as yesterday, with the global body mediating talks between the PCB and BCCI.

Efforts to resolve the financial implications of India's refusal to travel to Pakistan had hit a roadblock earlier. However, recent developments indicate that discussions are moving in a positive direction, and an announcement could be made this week.

The PCB is keen to resolve the matter swiftly to focus on ticketing and other logistical arrangements for the Champions Trophy.

Champions Trophy promo under radar

Recently released ICC Champions Trophy promo has come under savior criticism after India backed broadcasters ditch hosts name from the promo.

Star Sports India released the promo of the mega event, but the name of the host was avoided in this promo.

Instead, clips from the recent T20 World Cup, which India won were inserted in the promo in the form of photos and videos highlights.

Moreover, the photos or clips of Sarfaraz Ahmed Pakistan team, who are the defending champion, were not included in the promo, which further disappointed the fans.

In the video, users criticized Star Sports for not including the champions trophy 2017 moments and Pakistan's name as host.

On the other hand, fans also criticized the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for not sharing the name and memorable moments with the host country from ICC events and advised to boycott the event.