ICC Holds Emergency Board Meeting To Finalize Champions Trophy 2025 Details Amid India-Pakistan Dispute

The International Cricket Council (ICC) scheduled an emergency board meeting for Tuesday, November 26, in an effort to finalize details of the Champions Trophy 2025 tournament, despite Indian Cricket's refusal to tour Pakistan due to security concerns.

According to a trusted source confirmed by Sports Tak, the primary purpose of the meeting is to address the Champions Trophy 2025 and other contentious issues, such as scheduling, venue, and format. The ICC must also finalize group stage fixtures, including the high-profile India-Pakistan match.

Notably, the semifinals and finals have been designated as neutral venues under a proposed hybrid model for the tournament. However, PCB representatives expressed their willingness to host the event if all participating teams, including India, agree on this format.

PCB Chairman Najam Sethi earlier asserted his confidence in addressing Indian concerns by stating that there is no reason why Team India should miss the Champions Trophy 2025. Sethi urged the ICC to provide a finalized schedule for review, and he expressed optimism that both India and Pakistan would be able to participate in the tournament.

"The only thing we are waiting for is the final schedule from the ICC," Sethi said during an inspection of Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium on November 18. "We believe there's no need for any team, including India, to back out unless requested to do so."

Sethi also emphasized his hope that other rival teams would come forward and demonstrate a willingness to participate in the event, which the PCB chairman sees as an opportunity to showcase their country's hospitality.

However, with the ICC holding this crucial meeting now, it appears that time is running out for India to change their stance on touring Pakistan for the Champions Trophy 2025. Will the hybrid model plan help ease tensions or will India continue to raise concerns about India-Pakistan matches?