The International Cricket Council (ICC) is exploring a “partnership formula” to resolve the ongoing dispute over hosting the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, according to News. Under the proposed plan, India’s matches originally scheduled in Pakistan would be played at a neutral venue in Dubai, while Pakistan’s matches in India would also take place in Dubai. This arrangement, expected to last for three years starting with the Champions Trophy, aims to end the deadlock over the tournament’s venue and scheduling.
As part of this plan, neither India nor Pakistan would host any ICC tournaments in each other’s countries during this period. This approach is intended to be included in the host agreements for both countries.
The Champions Trophy, set to take place in Pakistan next year, has become a contentious issue, with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) refusing to send its team to Pakistan due to security concerns, despite Pakistan’s reassurances. An online ICC meeting on November 29 failed to resolve the issue, lasting only 15 minutes with no concrete outcomes.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has rejected the “hybrid model,” which would have seen all of India’s matches played outside Pakistan. Sources indicate that the BCCI has requested more time to consider the situation, while the ICC has reportedly advised the BCCI to accept the new formula to avoid legal action from Pakistan.
The ICC is working to resolve the issue without a vote, although a vote could be necessary if the PCB, ICC, and BCCI do not reach a consensus soon. It is hoped that an agreement can be made before a vote is required. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has expressed optimism that a fair, long-term solution will be found, ensuring equal decisions for both countries. He stressed that any decisions should be made with mutual respect and equality.
