Champions Trophy 2025: ICC board meeting delayed after India requests more time

Dubai: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has delayed its board meeting scheduled to discuss the hosting of the 2025 Champions Trophy, with India requesting more time to resolve the issue.

This delay comes amid Pakistan's firm stance on hosting the tournament, which has put pressure on India to reconsider its position.

Pakistan has reiterated its position that if India refuses to send its team to Pakistan for the event, Pakistan will not play in any ICC tournaments hosted by India.

The two cricket boards, PCB and BCCI, are still in discussions, and no concrete solution has yet been reached. Pakistan continues to oppose the hybrid model proposed by the ICC, which would involve some matches being played at neutral venues.

The meeting was originally scheduled for November 29, but was postponed after no agreement was reached during preliminary discussions. ICC has urged both boards to present solutions within 24 to 48 hours.

Pakistan's PCB Chairman, Najam Sethi, made it clear that the country is determined to host the event in its entirety.

However, the issue is complicated by India's refusal to travel to Pakistan, raising concerns over the future of the tournament.

The ICC has also discussed the possibility of finding a mutually agreeable solution to the dispute.

Pakistan's position remains firm, stressing that any concession to India would lead to Pakistan refusing to play in future ICC events hosted by India.

The final decision on the tournament's venue will depend on ongoing talks between the two countries' cricket boards, and could involve ICC member voting to break the deadlock.