The International Cricket Council (ICC) is prepared to move forward with the Champions Trophy 2025, even if it means proceeding without Pakistan. After attempts to mediate between the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the ICC has decided it’s time to take a firm stance.
ICC Pushes for Champions Trophy 2025 Schedule Announcement
With the majority of viewership and revenue generated by the BCCI and the Indian cricket team, the ICC is ready to relocate the Champions Trophy 2025 entirely out of Pakistan if the PCB refuses to accept a hybrid model. The original plan was to finalize the schedule during a meeting held yesterday. For those unaware, the ICC must announce the schedule for any event 100 days prior to its start, but the ongoing dispute between the BCCI and PCB has caused this deadline to be missed.
PCB Receives No Support at ICC Meeting
What was supposed to be a lengthy meeting was concluded in just 15 minutes after the PCB stuck to its position of wanting to be the sole host of the Champions Trophy 2025. None of the other boards supported the PCB, with most remaining quietly in favour of the BCCI and India’s stance. While discussions will continue, especially between the BCCI and PCB, the tournament may be moved out of Pakistan entirely if no agreement is reached soon. With the event scheduled to start on February 19, less than three months away, time is running out.
An ICC official informed the Times of India, “All members are aware of India’s stance and are aligned with their decision not to travel to Pakistan due to lack of government clearance. If PCB doesn’t accept the hybrid model, there is a real possibility that the tournament may take place without Pakistan.”
Also Read- IPL 2025 Scheduled from March 14 to May 25
Champions Trophy: PCB’s Proposed Schedule
- February 19: New Zealand vs Pakistan – Karachi
- February 20: Bangladesh vs India – Lahore
- February 21: Afghanistan vs South Africa – Karachi
- February 22: Australia vs England – Lahore
- February 23: New Zealand vs India – Lahore
- February 24: Pakistan vs Bangladesh – Rawalpindi
- February 25: Afghanistan vs England – Lahore
- February 26: Australia vs South Africa – Rawalpindi
- February 27: Bangladesh vs New Zealand – Lahore
- February 28: Afghanistan vs Australia – Rawalpindi
- March 1: Pakistan vs India – Lahore
- March 2: South Africa vs England – Rawalpindi
- March 5: Semi-final – Karachi
- March 6: Semi-final – Rawalpindi
- March 9: Final – Lahore