ICC board meeting postponed amid speculation

ISLAMABAD: The much-anticipated ICC Board meeting scheduled for Saturday was postponed just minutes after it commenced.

ICC Chief Executive Geoff Allardice called for members to reconvene it soon.

Mohsin Naqvi, Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), confirmed the postponement but refrained from sharing details. “I won’t comment further, except to say the ICC Board meeting was postponed at the outset today,” Naqvi stated.

He emphasized that any decisions arising from these discussions would align with the best interests of Pakistan cricket. “The outcome will prioritise Pakistan’s cricket interests. Beyond that, I have nothing more to add except that the meeting has been postponed,” he said, referring to the ongoing deliberations surrounding Pakistan’s hosting rights for the ICC Champions Trophy.

“Stakeholders are making every effort to ensure the best outcome for Pakistan’s right to host the Champions Trophy. When ICC flourishes, global cricket flourishes,” Mohsin Naqvi said.

While no official explanation has been provided for the postponement, The News has learnt that fresh negotiations are underway, following recent high-level meetings between PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and ICC Chairman Jay Shah. These efforts are reportedly aimed at securing an even better arrangement for Pakistan.

A source indicated progress in these discussions, emphasizing the mutual interest in fostering international cricket’s development.