DUBAI: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has reportedly approved the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) proposed ‘fusion formula’ for the 2025 Men’s Champions Trophy and other upcoming events hosted by Pakistan or India.
Reports suggest that the decision was made during an informal meeting of the ICC, the apex governing body for cricket.
Under the agreement, India will play its matches in the eight-team Champions Trophy in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). In return, Pakistan will not travel to India for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. Instead, Pakistan’s matches will be held in Sri Lanka, the co-host for the tournament.
Notably, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) have already reached an understanding, in principle, regarding this arrangement.
Reports quoting sources say that the ICC is expected to make an official announcement about the Champions Trophy within the next 24 hours. Reports said discussions regarding the Champions Trophy are ongoing.
As soon as the matters are settled, it will be announced through a press release. Reportedly everything will be clear in the next 24 hours.
The eight-team Champions Trophy is scheduled to take place from February 19 to March 9, 2025, although the complete schedule of the tournament is yet to be released.
Earlier, Prime Minister of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif had appreciated Chairman Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Mohsin Naqvi’s principled stance on the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
Mohsin Naqvi during a meeting informed the Prime Minister that the PCB was fully prepared to host the Champions Trophy tournament in Pakistan. The Prime Minister said that in the ICC, Chairman PCB has represented the voice of 240 million Pakistanis.
PCB Chairman hopes for ‘positive outcome’
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi on Saturday also expressed hope for positive developments as talks were underway with the International Cricket Council (ICC) over hurdles created by India.
The PCB chief, while talking to journalists assured that as soon as something is finalised, the public would be informed. He added that he would not make any statement that could harm the ongoing discussions.
