Champions Trophy 2025 stalemate persists as ICC meeting reportedly postponed again; Jay Shah visits head office – Firstpost

The International Cricket Council (ICC) Board meeting on Thursday (December 5), which was expected to take a
“Final call” on the 2025 Champions Trophy calendar It has reportedly been postponed until at least Saturday (December 7). This was the second time that the ICC meeting was held briefly without reaching a final decision and before being postponed.

In
Thursday’s brief meetingThe Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has been asked to accept the hybrid model and is expected to share its final opinion on Saturday, according to a report from India today.

Meanwhile, the BCCI was represented by joint secretary Devajit Lon Saikia as former secretary Jay Shah has now taken over as the new ICC president.

ICC likely to reject most PCB claims

PCB has been opposing a hybrid model since the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) said the Indian cricket team will not travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy 2025. They raised a similar demand in the
first meeting last Friday that lasted about 15 minutesbut the ICC has
gave them an ultimatum accept the hybrid model or lose hosting rights completely.

The Pakistan cricket body has since changed its stance and is willing to accept the hybrid model but under certain conditions. The biggest of all is that Pakistan plays its matches at neutral venues during ICC events in India.
under a ‘partnership’ formula. However, such an agreement is not acceptable to the BCCI as it does not believe that the Pakistan cricket team
has any security threat in India compared to the risk involved in the Men in Blue traveling to the neighboring nation.

The PCB has also put forward some other demands, including additional compensation for India’s matches to be held at a neutral venue, likely in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and keeping the two teams in separate groups. He has also reportedly sought approval for a tri-series involving India, Pakistan and one more team to be played in the United Arab Emirates at a later date.

The ICC is expected to reject most of the demands made by the PCB on Saturday, should a final decision be made. Although PCB is expected to get additional compensation for accepting a hybrid model.

New President Jay Shah visits ICC office

Meanwhile, the new ICC President Jay Shah visited the ICC headquarters on Thursday and met the Board of Directors, including Faruque Ahmed of Bangladesh, Roger Twose of New Zealand, ICC Executive Director Geoff Allardice, Vice President Imran Khwaja, Tavengwa Mukuhlani of Zimbabwe, Mubashshir Usmani of the United Arab Emirates, Shammi Silva of Sri Lanka, Dr. Mohammed Abdul Samad Moosajee of South Africa and Mahinda Vallipuram from Malaysia.

A great start to the @ICC HQ connecting with my Board colleagues and the ICC team. Let the work begin! pic.twitter.com/QgbDoPDdBK

-Jay Shah (@JayShah) December 5, 2024

There was no representation from the PCB during the meeting session.

“I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the ICC Board members, the ICC team and everyone who contributed to making my first day at the ICC headquarters as President a truly memorable experience. “This visit provided an invaluable opportunity to connect with my colleagues on the ICC Board, where we discussed the initial roadmap and strategies to shape the future of this incredible sport,” Shah said in the ICC press release.

“I was equally delighted to meet the dedicated ICC team who work tirelessly behind the scenes to drive cricket forward. Their passion and shared belief in the immense potential of sport is truly inspiring, as is their enthusiasm for the exciting opportunities that lie ahead.

“Today has been productive and inspiring. While I am encouraged by what I have seen, I recognize that this is just the beginning. The hard work to elevate cricket to unprecedented heights begins now and I am confident that together we will achieve this vision.”