ICC calls crucial board meeting on 29th Nov to break Champions Trophy impasse

ISLAMABAD: The International Cricket Council (ICC) Tuesday called a crucial meeting of its Board on November 29 to resolve the uncertainty surrounding the Champions Trophy’s schedule.

The fate of mega event is hanging in the balance following India’s refusal to travel to Pakistan, the tournament’s designated host nation. A top ICC official told ‘The News’ that the virtual meeting will focus solely on finalising the schedule for the 2025 Champions Trophy.

“The ICC Board’s meeting on November 29 will address one primary agenda -- the Champions Trophy’s schedule. This discussion is pivotal, considering the challenges posed by India’s stance,” the official said.

The meeting was initially expected to take place on November 26 but was postponed on the request of some Board’s members. This rescheduling highlights the complexities and high stakes surrounding the issue.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)’s refusal to cross the border has placed the ICC in a difficult position. With Jay Shah set to assume the ICC chairmanship days after the meeting, the outcome could set the tone for his tenure. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has remained firm in its stance, rejecting a hybrid model for hosting and threatening to pull out of the tournament if the event is moved to another country.

Despite initial approval of Pakistan’s hosting rights by all ICC Member Nations, including India, the situation took a turn after the Indian government denied permission to the team for travel to Pakistan. This decision was communicated weeks after ICC Board meeting on October 20 in Dubai, where a tentative schedule was presented without objections.

The 16-member ICC Board, consisting of 12 representatives from member nations, three independent (associate) members, and the ICC Chief Executive, will play a decisive role in breaking the impasse. Speculation abounds whether India will propose a hybrid model, and whether the PCB will allow a vote on such a proposal or abstain from participation.

The PCB has also maintained that a written refusal of the Indian government to the BCCI must be shared before moving ahead. The ICC regulations indicate that any such refusal must come in writing.

The upcoming meeting could mark a defining moment for international cricket, as the stalemate over India’s participation casts uncertainty over one of the sport’s marquee events. With both sides digging in, November 29 may shape the Champions Trophy’s future and set a precedent for cricket’s governance amid geopolitical tensions.