Further delays have been reported in the release of the Champions Trophy 2025 schedule, following PTI reports that the ICC’s board meeting with Star Sports broadcasters was rescheduled from Thursday to Saturday. This was to be a day where the ICC board members would express support for the ‘Hybrid Model’ that had been proposed under the newly-elected ICC chair, Jay Shah.
Absentee Representatives And Disputes
Though India was represented by BCCI joint secretary Devajit Lon Saikia, key members from England and Wales Cricket, Cricket Australia, and Cricket West Indies were absent in person. Also, the Pakistan Cricket Board was absent from the meeting. According to sources, the ICC Board is likely to reject PCB’s requests for the Hybrid Model, making it unlikely that future ICC events in India will be played in this format.
Also Read: Champions Trophy 2025: Broadcaster Note Gives Clear Picture, Pakistan Stands No Where Near India
India Plays Very Crucial Part In ICC Events
Hybrid Model seems to be the only viable solution even though it is not favorable for Pakistan but PCB is likely gain by receiving enhanced compensation if they accept it. The broadcasters have always stated that a Champions Trophy without India cannot be financially viable and that the reason behind an Indo-Pak match in the group stages was to reap a large chunk of revenue.
Jay Shah Visits ICC Headquarters
On the same day, Jay Shah also visited the ICC headquarters in Dubai for the first time as the new chair. Shah met with the ICC Board of Directors, which included representatives from Bangladesh, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, and other cricketing nations. This marked an important step in his role as the global body’s leader.
Champions Trophy 2025 Still Not Finalised
The Champions Trophy is scheduled to be held between January and March 2025, with the host nation being Pakistan. However, uncertainty still prevails over the schedule of the tournament since the Indian government has not been assured of security, a reason that has prompted a Hybrid Model proposal. India’s matches will be played in the UAE, but the PCB rejected this compromise.
(With PTI Inputs)
