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As the ICC prepares for its meetings in Colombo scheduled from July 19 to 22, there is a notable question mark surrounding India’s involvement in the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan.
The political tensions between the two nations have led to the Indian government barring the cricket team from touring Pakistan, casting a shadow over their participation. This issue, though not formally on the agenda, is expected to be a prominent topic of discussion during the ICC meetings in Sri Lanka.
The BCCI vs PCB dispute over Champions Trophy 2025 set to escalate at ICC AGM.
India’s decision not to tour Pakistan has ignited considerable debate, and a recent report from the Times of India suggests that the issue will be brought up during the ICC meetings under the ‘any other business’ category. According to the report, PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi, representing the board at the ICC AGM, intends to raise this matter.
Adding to the developments, Jay Shah, Secretary of the BCCI, is scheduled to depart for Colombo on Thursday, July 18, to participate in the ICC meetings, culminating with the Annual General Meeting on July 22.
Meanwhile, the Champions Trophy 2025 is slated to be held in Pakistan from February 19 to March 9. The proposed schedule by the PCB outlines India’s league matches against Bangladesh, New Zealand, and Pakistan to be hosted in Lahore on February 20, February 23, and March 1, respectively. The semifinals are planned for Karachi and Rawalpindi on March 5 and 6, with the final set for Lahore on March 9.
However, if India remains unwilling to play matches in Pakistan, the ICC may need to explore alternative arrangements. The PCB has already expressed reservations about adopting a hybrid model for this prestigious tournament.
PCB opposes hybrid model for Champions Trophy 2025.
As the debate over India’s participation in the Champions Trophy 2025 intensifies, the ICC may face the challenge of persuading the PCB to consider a potential hybrid model, which could involve relocating India’s matches to venues in the UAE or Sri Lanka. However, the PCB remains steadfast in its preference to host the entire tournament on Pakistani soil. The outcome of discussions between the BCCI and the ICC will be pivotal in shaping the future of the Champions Trophy 2025.
Amidst these developments, Jay Shah is expected to attend the India vs Pakistan match in the Women’s Asia Cup 2024 in Dambulla on Friday, July 19. All eyes are also on Shah during the ICC meetings, as speculation mounts about his potential candidacy for the ICC chairmanship.
Greg Barclay, the current ICC Chairman, is set to conclude his tenure in December 2024. Shah, with one year remaining in his role as BCCI General Secretary before entering a mandatory cooling-off period starting in 2025, could be a significant contender for the ICC chairman role. If Shah assumes this position in 2025, it would necessitate Barclay or his successor stepping down mid-tenure, a topic likely to be a focal point of discussions at the upcoming ICC AGM in Colombo.
