The International Cricket Council (ICC) has postponed a crucial meeting regarding the 2025 Champions Trophy due to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)’s lack of response to demands raised by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). The meeting, originally scheduled for Saturday, was expected to finalize key decisions on the tournament’s venue and schedule.
Sources reveal that Pakistan and India recently made progress in resolving their long-standing dispute, reportedly agreeing to play their matches at neutral venues during ICC tournaments hosted by either country. Under the proposed arrangement, India’s matches in the Pakistan-hosted Champions Trophy will take place in Dubai, while Pakistan’s games in the India-hosted T20 World Cup will also be held at neutral venues. This hybrid model is expected to apply to all ICC events through 2027.
During this period, India is set to host the Women’s ODI World Cup in October 2024 and the Men’s T20 World Cup in 2026, co-hosted with Sri Lanka. Pakistan has insisted on a reciprocal hybrid arrangement for these tournaments.
The Champions Trophy is slated to begin in February 2025, with Pakistan as the official host. However, India’s reluctance to send its team to Pakistan has delayed the schedule’s finalization. Stakeholders are also addressing logistical and financial concerns, with PCB expected to earn $6 million in hosting rights, alongside additional revenue from ticket sales and hospitality. However, Pakistan will allocate $1.2–1.3 million for tournament insurance.
Also See: 2025 ICC Champions Trophy Schedule, Upcoming Matches, Match Dates and Timing
In comparison, India’s financial position remains dominant, receiving 38% of ICC’s annual revenue share, amounting to $90–95 million.
The ICC is actively facilitating backdoor negotiations between Pakistan and India to finalize the tournament’s logistics and schedule. Progress has been described as positive, with an official announcement anticipated soon. The postponement of the meeting comes as discussions near resolution at the executive level.
India-Pakistan matches have proven to be a financial and viewership bonanza for ICC events. For instance, the India-Pakistan clash during the 2023 World Cup drew 173 million TV viewers in India and 225 million digital viewers. Similarly, their match in the 2021 T20 World Cup garnered 167 million viewers, generating unprecedented engagement.