Dharshini RDA 
In the uncertainty surrounding the hosting of the 2025 Champions Trophy, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has informed the International Cricket Council (ICC) that it will only accept a solution in line with its position, sources told Geo News on Saturday.
This development comes ahead of another ICC board meeting on the controversy, which was reportedly scheduled for today, but cricket’s governing body later announced that it could not be held on Saturday as the Board of Control for Cricket in India reportedly requested more time after Pakistan’s firm stance.
Sources said the matter would progress only when the ICC came up with a reasonable and workable formula. They also stated that after Pakistan’s meeting with the ICC and other counsel a day ago, the PCB had contacted various stakeholders.
A critical ICC board meeting called to discuss the future of the Champions Trophy lasted just 15 minutes on Friday. Pakistan and India, in collaboration with the ICC, were agreed to work towards identifying an acceptable and workable solution for hosting the tournament.
The meeting was called following India’s refusal to play in Pakistan, followed by Pakistan’s firm stance rejecting a hybrid model and warning that it would boycott future events in India if the situation persisted.
Sources within the ICC revealed that initial consultations during the brief meeting resulted in a consensus for Pakistan and India to explore a mutually acceptable plan, potentially involving two or three other member councils as facilitators.
The process is expected to be completed within 24 to 48 hours.
The Champions Trophy is due to be held in Pakistan, but India’s decision not to visit the country to play its matches has cast doubt on the event.
Pakistan, which is maintaining a firm stance, has reiterated that a hybrid model – where matches would be spread over two venues – was not an acceptable option. During the brief ICC meeting and earlier interactions with the governing body leadership, Pakistan reiterated its stand, demanding that all councils be treated equally.
Sources added that Pakistan and India should consult their respective governments before finalising any arrangement.
An ICC spokesman confirmed the discussions, saying: ‘The Council held a brief meeting today and all members committed to resolving the Champions Trophy issue amicably. Further meetings are planned in the coming days. More meetings on the future of the Champions Trophy are expected in the coming days.
