ICC meets on Friday to tackle Champions Trophy deadlock

Pakistan played in India during the 50-over World Cup in 2023 (File photo)

The Board of the International Cricket Council (ICC) will meet on Friday to discuss the Champions Trophy schedule after India indicated it will not travel to host nation Pakistan.

Political tensions mean the two countries have not played each other outside of major tournaments since 2008 and India have not travelled to Pakistan for 16 years. Pakistan did travel to India for the 50-over World Cup in 2023.

Although Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi has previously rejected the idea of a ‘hybrid’ staging of the tournament, with India playing their matches in a different country, it now looks increasingly unlikely the tournament will take place solely in Pakistan.

The situation is complicated by protests in the Pakistan capital Islamabad involving supporters of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan, a former Captain of the Pakistan Team.

Options for the ICC Board could include a hybrid staging in more than one country, complete relocation or a postponement. A decision may not come right away, as the PCB takes time to consult the government.

The Champions Trophy is set to be the first global cricket event Pakistan has hosted since 1996.

Any alteration to the staging of the Champions Trophy as a result of the current dispute could have knock-on effects for future tournaments that India is scheduled to host - as Pakistan could demand they are held as hybrids too.

India is set to stage two 50-over World Cups - the Women’s Tournament in 2025 and the Men’s in 2031 - as well as the 2029 Men’s Champions Trophy. 

It is also scheduled to co-host with Sri Lanka the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup. (Agencies)