The intrigue over where the 2025 Champions Trophy will be held continues after the ICC Board decided to give the hosts PCB more time to try and find a workable solution along with the ICC and the BCCI. The ICC Board is likely to take a final decision over the weekend.
ESPNcricinfo learned the ICC Board meeting, which was held over a call on Friday, lasted less than 15 minutes and it was decided that the PCB, BCCI and ICC leadership – along with some other member boards – would try to find a way forward that is acceptable to all parties. The solution will in all likelihood have to be approved by the governments of India and Pakistan.
The ICC Board, which comprises representatives from all 12 Full Member countries, was expected to take a final call on the Champions Trophy venue based on three options listed on the agenda for Friday’s meeting:
- The hybrid option, where the majority of matches are in Pakistan but those involving India are played outside Pakistan.
- The tournament is played entirely outside Pakistan, with the PCB retaining hosting rights.
- The entire event is played in Pakistan but without India.
The uncertainty over the venue for the 2025 Champions Trophy arose after the BCCI said the Indian government had ruled out sending the team to Pakistan.
