Champions Trophy 2025: PCB chairman Naqvi arrives in Dubai for crucial ICC meeting
Dubai: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has arrived in Dubai to participate in a critical International Cricket Council (ICC) Board meeting today. The discussions are expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of international cricket, particularly concerning the Champions Trophy 2025, which Pakistan is set to host in February-March.
The meeting will open with a special ceremony to officially welcome Jay Shah as the newly appointed ICC Chairman. Later in the evening, the board will deliberate on key decisions, including the hosting rights for the Champions Trophy. Simultaneously, the ICC is holding separate discussions with its broadcasting partners.
Reports suggest that Naqvi is standing firm on Pakistan’s position regarding the tournament’s organization. If the proposed “partnership formula” is rejected, PCB may consider strict measures, including legal action, to address the ongoing disputes.
The Champions Trophy 2025 has faced uncertainty due to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)’s refusal to send its team to Pakistan. PCB has opposed the hybrid model previously suggested for the eight-team tournament. However, the introduction of a new “partnership formula” aims to resolve the deadlock.
Under this model, Pakistan would not play matches in India during ICC events for the next three years, with Dubai emerging as the likely neutral venue for clashes between the two nations. During this period, India is scheduled to host three ICC events: the Women’s World Cup 2025, the T20 World Cup 2026 (co-hosted with Sri Lanka), and the Champions Trophy 2027.
The ICC has reportedly advised the BCCI to accept this model to avoid legal challenges from Pakistan and resolve the dispute without requiring a board vote. If the proposal is agreed upon, the board meeting might not need to proceed, with the ICC directly informing its members of the development.
This high-stakes meeting could mark a turning point in the longstanding cricketing tensions between Pakistan and India, paving the way for smoother relations and clearer frameworks for future tournaments.
