Are we going to see a final decision on the Champions Trophy 2025, and other looming issues? Well, the answer isn’t certain, but the ICC is set to again have a board meeting on December 5, under Jay Shah for the first time, that could end the impasse. While there are reports that suggest otherwise, a contrasting view in ESPNCricinfo states, that Thursday’s meeting will be to decide on the tournament schedule.
PCBs Own Hybrid Model
As things stand right now, it seems that Pakistan has accepted that India won’t cross border, no matter what. But have thrown in the dice again, with their their version of the hybrid model. In an unexpected and a strange move, the Mohsin Naqvi-led PCB proposed the hybrid model for all the ICC events that India and BCCI would host — that means no IND vs PAK match will be played in either of the nations. The so called “fusion or partnership formula” would mean, that Pakistan would skip the T20 World Cup 2026 matches in India, and instead play in Dubai.
“A one-sided arrangement is no longer acceptable. It cannot be the case that we continue to go to India, but they do not visit Pakistan. Whatever happens, must be on the basis of equality,” Naqvi had said before the ICC meeting. But that “threat” could just be an empty one, given BCCIs stature in the world of cricket, after all the maximum revenue, undoubtedly comes from the Indian board.
BCCI Adamant, All Eyes on Jay Shah at ICC Meeting
So, there is no way that any decision would go against the BCCI; in fact, would likely cost Pakistan big. Various reports have already suggested that PCB’s demand for their version of hybrid model will not be entertained, since India is a safe place for the visiting teams. Meanwhile, apart from the 2026 T20 World Cup, that India will host jointly with Sri Lanka, there is also the 2029 Champions Trophy, 2031 ODI World Cup, and the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup on the roster.
That just shows, as to which way the scales tilt and the stakes are too high for ICC, to even think of any decision, remotely in favour of Pakistan. In short, it looks like a given, that India would not visit Pakistan for any ICC match, play theirs in Dubai, and make Pakistan come to India for any future ICC matches. But what Pakistan might just get is some financial offering from the head body, maybe as a compensation.
Just keeping this aside for a moment, there isn’t any clarity as to who would attend the meeting from the Indian side, since Jay Shah has taken over as the ICC head.
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