The BCCI has reportedly rejected the Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) proposed 'partnership arrangement' for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The BCCI opposes the PCB's offer to use hybrid models for the next ICC events hosted in India, as indicated in their formula.
The International Cricket Council is working to resolve an ongoing dispute between the PCB and the BCCI over the Champions Trophy. While the ICC proposed a hybrid approach at a recent board meeting, the topic is still unsettled, and a final decision is expected to take longer.
PCB officials recently met with ICC executives in Dubai, and Chairman Mohsin Naqvi spoke via video call with BCCI Secretary Jay Shah. During these discussions, the PCB proposed a "partnership or Fusion Formula," which would let India play Champions Trophy matches in the UAE.
As per PCB’s conditions, for approving the hybrid model for Champions Trophy 2025, they want the finals of future ICC events hosted by India to also be played in similar manner.
If Pakistan's demands are accepted, the forthcoming ICC tournament finals in India will be held at a neutral location if Pakistan advances to the final. The BCCI will host the following events: the 2025 Women's ODI World Cup, the 2026 Men's T20 World Cup, the 2029 Champions Trophy, and the 2031 Men's ODI World Cup.
“We have presented a fair solution. If India does not accept it, they cannot expect us to send our team there in the future. If an ICC event is held in India, their team would also need to play finals or key matches in Dubai, ensuring parity,” a PCB source was quoted by the Tribune.
The report further stated that the broadcasters are expected to meet ICC officials in Dubai on Thursday, where they expect the governing body to share the final schedule of the Champions Trophy 2025 with them.
The ICC has previously failed to meet its contractual commitment to release the schedule at least 90 days before the competition.
According to the proposed itinerary, the Champions Trophy 2025 will begin on February 19 and will last nine matches at three locations in Pakistan: Karachi, Rawalpindi, and Lahore. This will be the first ICC competition held in Pakistan since the 1996 World Cup.
