Deadlock over Champions Trophy persists

ISLAMABAD: The ICC Board is gearing up for another virtual meeting in the coming days to address the unresolved issues surrounding the Champions Trophy. Despite widespread speculation on social media about a breakthrough in Pakistan-India cricketing relations for the ICC events, the final agreement remains elusive.

Following the last ICC Board meeting, the ICC leadership asked the PCB to explore alternative solutions to resolve the Champions Trophy deadlock. In response, the PCB submitted a fresh proposal advocating a reciprocal hybrid model for the 2024-27 cycle. Under this arrangement, India would host the Women’s World Cup in 2025 and the Men’s T20 World Cup in 2026, while Pakistan would retain the Champions Trophy -- the only ICC event allocated to the country during this period. Both the countries will play their share of matches during all these three events on a hybrid model.

The PCB has made it clear that the said agreement must have legal backing and cannot be based on vague assurances, citing past failures like the Big Three fiasco. During that period, Pakistan supported the Big Three proposal based on plain paper/verbal commitments from the BCCI to restart bilateral series -- a promise that was not honoured.

The new proposal demands a legally binding document to ensure mutual commitments are upheld. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has emphasised that Pakistan will not accept a one-sided settlement for the Champions Trophy.

Jay Shah, who has taken over as the Chairman ICC, may be requested by his management to play a decisive role in settling the issue. While the ICC is reportedly in discussions with the BCCI and other member boards, no alternative proposal has yet been shared by the Indian board. The ICC Board holds the authority to finalise any agreement after gathering input from all the stakeholders. The coming week is crucial in determining the fate of the Champions Trophy, as all the eyes are focused on the ICC’s efforts to mediate and finalise an equitable resolution.