ICC meeting on Champions Trophy postponed; reasons revealed

The International Cricket Council (ICC) board meeting scheduled for today, which was supposed to decide on the venue for the Champions Trophy, has been postponed. The decision regarding the hosting location could not be reached during yesterday’s ICC board meeting, prompting the postponement until today. However, sources now confirm that the meeting will not take place today.

According to ICC sources, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is standing firm on its position; the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has requested more time to discuss the matter, and following Pakistan’s strong stance, it is now expected that the ICC board meeting will be held within the next 48 hours.

There is also speculation that ICC Chairman Greg Barclay’s term could be extended by a month. Barclay’s tenure was supposed to end on November 30, with Indian official Jay Shah set to take over as the new ICC Chairman starting December 1.

To finalise whether the Champions Trophy will be held in Pakistan. Ahead of the meeting, Pakistan had presented a formula for the tournament’s hosting that they deemed acceptable, with PCB Chairman Najam Sethi informing the ICC of Pakistan’s firm stance.

Sethi: We will bear the pain, but we will not let our dignity be compromised,” emphasising that the PCB had almost completed all preparations for the Champions Trophy in Pakistan.

India’s Opposition and PCB Strategy

The ongoing dispute has been complicated by India’s refusal to play in Pakistan, which has created a deadlock. The PCB has firmly stated that matches against India will be held at a neutral venue under a hybrid model.

Sources indicate that India has been lobbying to shift the Champions Trophy outside Pakistan, but the PCB has prepared to block such efforts. The PCB has made it clear that it will not accept any solution that does not align with its terms.

Impact on the Champions Trophy Schedule

Due to India’s resistance, the ICC has yet to announce the revised schedule for the Champions Trophy, causing concern among broadcasters facing potential losses running into millions of dollars.

As the situation stands, all eyes are now on the next ICC meeting, where a final decision regarding the tournament’s location will be made.