DUBAI: Top officials of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the International Cricket Council (ICC) have continued talks in Dubai to address the impasse regarding the hosting of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and as per media reports an agreement is expected to be reached this week.
The controversy came when the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) refused to send its team to Pakistan for the event citing security issues. However, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi had said that the government will provide the highest level of security to visiting teams for the Champions Trophy.
The PCB took a firm position and proposed the “partnership formula” under which India’s matches during Pakistan-hosted ICC events would be played at neutral venues. Similarly, Pakistan’s games in India-hosted tournaments would also take place at neutral sites over the next three years.
This mechanism impacts major events, including the Women’s ODI World Cup in October 2024 (hosted by India) and the Men’s T20 World Cup in 2026 (co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka).
The Express Tribune reported that the BCCI has agreed to most of the conditions proposed by the PCB. However, a few objections need to be settled delaying the release of the Champions Trophy schedule.
Though both sides have been tight-lipped for the past few days, negotiations are ongoing behind the scenes.
Former PCB Chief Operating Officer (COO) official Salman Naseer has been in Dubai for several days, and current COO Sameer Syed has also joined him. The two officials have been in continuous negotiations to resolve the deadlock over the ICC Champions Trophy.
Pakistan had earlier sought compensation measures to address financial losses if India shied away from playing in Pakistan. Reportedly the talks now seem to be moving in a positive direction, with optimism about a resolution this week.
The PCB is keen to advance the process to focus on logistical preparations, including ticketing and event management.
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 expressed hope for positive developments as talks are 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.
